The presidents of five Central American countries met in Costa Rica this week to discuss the position of their bloc in ongoing negotiations with the European Union on a possible association agreement. Talks focused on the political aspects of the negotiation. The presidents reiterated a unified stance on a request for greater aid from the European Union, as well as their position that joining the International Criminal Court should be left up to each country. The presidents also stated their goal of completing negotiations on the agreement no later than the first half of 2009, a position that jibes with similar goals declared by EU representatives. The two regions have held two rounds of negotiations, one in Costa Rica and one in Belgium. The next round will be held in April in El Salvador.
