Bush, Costa Rican President Meet
Copyright 2001 Associated Press
July 13, 2001
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush promised Friday to look into Costa Rican President Miguel Angel Rodriguez's proposed $54-million project to help the Central American nation preserve its rain forests.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House after his meeting with Bush, Rodriguez said the money would come from the $250 million Costa Rica owes the United States. Costa Rica would use the money to pay private owners for lands that have become part of national parks and reserves.
``The fund would allow us to stabilize our rain forests, secure the biodiversity of Costa Rica and reduce carbon gases,'' Rodriguez said.
An administration official confirmed to reporters that Bush said he would consider the plan.
Rodriguez said Bush offered his support for a study on how to carry out the project because it would demonstrate U.S. interest in preserving the environment and promoting regional development.
The two presidents did not discuss human rights or murdered and missing Americans in Costa Rica, but the issues will be raised by other U.S. officials meeting with Rodriguez during his visit, the administration official said on condition of anonymity.