Arias Sánchez, << AHR yahs SAHN chehz, >> Oscar (1941-…), served as president of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010. He became best known for his work for peace in Central America. As president, Arias also promoted environmentally friendly development and free-trade economic policies.
During the 1980’s, widespread fighting took place between rebel forces and the governments of Nicaragua and El Salvador. Arias negotiated with other Central American presidents on a plan to promote peace in the region. Their 1987 plan, which was known as the Arias Peace Initiative, called for an end to the fighting in Central America. Arias won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in developing the plan. However, some Costa Ricans accused him of paying too much attention to foreign affairs while neglecting the problems of his own country.
Arias was born on Sept. 13, 1941, in Heredia to a politically active family of wealthy coffee growers. Arias attended the University of Costa Rica, and he taught there from 1969 to 1972. A member of the National Liberation Party, Arias served in the legislature of Costa Rica from 1978 to 1981.
