If Costa Rica remains a member of the Internacional Criminal Court, the USA will apply sanctions as specified in the 2002 ASPA law. This law prohibits military assistance to countries that are members of the court, and at the end of 2004 other types of assistance were included.

According to the Wikipedia, The Internacional Criminal Court was established in 2002 as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, as defined by several international agreements.

99 countries are members because they have ratified or acceded the ICC Statute, this include most EU countries, Australia, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea and even Afghanistan. Countries who oppose the treaty are North Korea, China, Iran, and the USA.

The Chancellor Robert Tovar stated Costa Rica’s position is to support the court and remain a member despite US pressure: “I think one can be poor, but dignified. It seems to me that the law is too drastic, and even offensive for us.

The US Embassy stated that “police aid and anti-narcotrafficking funds are not affected by ASPA, so they are not at risk.”