Guest guest Posted March 26, 2004 Report Share Posted March 26, 2004 Costa Rica Subject to "Oil Extortion," Say Activists Costa Rican President Abel Pacheco delighted environmentalists two years ago when he announced a moratorium on oil exploration and open-pit mining in the country. But Harken Energy, a Texas-based oil company, wasn't so fond of the idea. The company says Costa Rica owes it reparations for refusing to let it proceed with offshore oil drilling; through a World Bank body, Harken demanded (gulp) $57 billion. Costa Rica said fat chance. But the passage of the Central American Free Trade Agreement could make it harder for small nations to stand up to corporations and protect their environments -- and easier for extractive industries to get what they want. Mark Engler and Nadia Martinez report on the Costa Rica case -- only on the Grist Magazine website. only in Grist: CAFTA may leave Central American countries vulnerable to energy giants -- by Mark Engler and Nadia Martinez Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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