Costa Rican Congress Approves 6th Law to Implement CAFTA

The General Telecommunications Law, which was the 6th bill in the agenda to implement the Free Trade Agreement with the United States, Central America and the Dominican Republic, was passed this morning in a 36-19 vote by the Costa Rica Legislative Assembly.

As predicted, the opponents of the bill sent the newly approved document to the Supreme Court to be revised for errors and unconstitutionalities. This process could take up to a month, which is exactlly what the opponents (who are mainly part of the Citizen’s Action Party aka PAC) want.

The Law will allow for the opening of the Telecommunications sector, which has been controled by the state-run Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE). It will also establish regulations, taxes and create a governing entity for the industry.

The Free Trade Agreement was ratified by the general population in an October Referendum. However, opponents continue to fight against the treaty through protests and political stalling tactics. Costa Rica must now ask for an extention from the other nations in the treaty to allow them time to get approval for the remaining 6 bills.

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Filed under: Travel on February 13th, 2008