Arias Vows to Stop Contras From Using Costa Rica as Haven

PANAMA CITY — Costa Rican President-elect Oscar Arias Sanchez says that he intends to stop U.S.-backed Nicaraguan rebels, known as contras , from using Costa Rica as a base once he takes office May 8.

Contending that his country’s pledge to neutrality should be given more than just “lip service,” Arias, 44, in an interview Monday, said: “We’re not going to tolerate the utilization of our territory by contras.”

The use of Costa Rica as a haven and supply center for the rebels has been permitted since 1983 by the outgoing government of President Luis Alberto Monge.

Arias also said the rebels’ presence “endangers our domestic peace.” He spoke during a stopover in Panama City before flying to Brazil to begin a seven-day tour of South America.