Nicaraguan immigration officials on Tuesday prevented a group of inspectors from Costa Rica from assessing environmental damages in the Isla Calero caused by Nicaragua’s excavation of artificial canals.
The Ticos sought to verify whether the government of Daniel Ortega is following the order of the International Court in The Hague (ICJ) to repair the damage caused by Edén Pastora and his crew, creating two canals diverting the San Juan river and changing the boundary between the two countries.
“You can imagine how we felt after preparation and time. We have our people there and will try by air”, said Deputy Environment Minister, Ana Lorena Guevara.
Communications minister said that the impediment by the Nicaraguans was based on their interpretation of the ICJ order.
Roverssi added that Nicaraguan authorities were aware fo the Costa Rican mission, saying that they had given permission for entry into Calero by way of the San Juan river, however, a countemand of unidentified authorities left the Tico specialists stranded.
“Nicaragua has a fanciful interpretation of the right of the river”, exclaimed Roverssi.
On November 22, the ICJ ordered Nicaragua to repair the damage caused by the creation of the canals leading to the Caribbean Sea, shortening the distance of the river’s current route. The ICJ also ordered Nicaragua to pull out all military and civilian personnel from the area.
The ICJ order followed Costa Rica’s filing with the Court and evidence to back up the claims.
