President Oscar Arias met with the U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) John Maisto Friday, and the two leaders discussed a common desire to see democracy prevail throughout Latin America, according to a statement from Casa Presidencial.

In particular, they discussed the future of Cuba in light of President Fidel Castro’s recent health problems and the possibility of his brother Raul taking over governing the country when he dies.

Maisto said that what Cuba needs is “a change over toward a true democracy, not a change of hands from one dictator to another, or from one dictator to a group of dictators,” the statement said.

Arias and Maisto also conversed about Nicaragua’s upcoming elections in November, which Maisto said will be observed by “a very good OAS team,” along with observers from Europe and other organizations, according to the wire service ACAN-EFE.

“Observation is absolutely key because these elections present an opportunity for Nicaraguans to freely choose their next government in … a democratic environment” and “leave the past and advance toward the modernity of Central America today,” Maisto said.

Maisto also remarked on Costa Rica’s ability to be a “leader in the fight for freedom and democracy in the region,” and Arias seconded this comment, saying that “as a Costa Rican, I am not going to give up the dream of seeing all the other countries in the region have democracy.”

Arias said he plans to continue striving toward democracy during the upcoming Forum of Latin American Governments to be held Nov. 4 and 5 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

During his first presidency 20 years ago, Arias said he achieved peace in the region, but “what we have not achieved is living in freedom and democracy.”

Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno, U.S. Ambassador Mark Langdale and U.S. Embassy political affairs advisor David Henifin also attended the meeting.

-Tico Times