Truck drivers still blocking Costa Rica-Panama border in protest

Some 600 hundred trucks blocked Panama’s border crossing with Costa Rica on Thursday, demanding that authorities from both governments reach an agreement on border safety standards.

The decision to close the road was sparked by alleged arguments drivers had with officials. The drivers say they are victims of abuse of authority by Panamanian officials.

On Monday, 1,000 trucks remained stuck on both sides of the border, and after five days of protest, the blockade is estimated to have caused some $1 million in losses for exporters.

Protesters say the strike will be indefinite, and they are demanding that Costa Rican officials reach an agreement with their Panamanian colleagues on how to address their grievances.