Ambassador Peter Cianchette

Remarks by Ambassador Peter Cianchette

Reception in honor of Independence Day
July 3, 2008

"...Today we celebrate a special day in our history. On July 4th, 1776, the day that our forefathers were signing the Declaration of Independence, King George III of England wrote in his diary: “Nothing happened today”… Well, here we are, 232 years later, commemorating yet one more anniversary of that unremarkable and uneventful day!

And what an honor it is to be doing so as the 56th Ambassador to this beautiful country. This is an assignment that fills me with pride and a sense of adventure, as well as a strong commitment to my country and to my fellow citizens. I will do everything in my power to take the long and solid relations between our two countries to new levels of cooperation, based on our mutual respect and common interest.

Last year at this time, we looked forward to a national referendum on the Central American Free Trade Agreement, CAFTA. Today, work remains; CAFTA is not quite finished. But, we are “casi, casi” there! We have faith in the ability of all the key participants to translate the will of the Costa Rican people into a reality that promotes economic growth and prosperity. The U.S. stands ready to help Costa Rica join CAFTA, so that jobs, investment, and trade may grow and benefit the people of Costa Rica, as they have grown and benefited the other CAFTA member states..." (more) 

Latest Headlines From the Embassy

Briefing on Merida Initiative, San Jose, July 1, 2008
PAS San Jose generated great factual coverage in CR's most influential daily La Nacion (circ. 120,000) and in oldest daily Prensa Libre (circ. 56,000) of the Merida Initiative signing on June 30. PAS San Jose invited two journalists from daily La Nacion –the most influential newspaper, center-right, circ: 120,000- and La Prensa Libre –conservative newspaper, circ: 56,000- to participate in the FPC briefing on Merida Initiative. (more) 

San Jose, June 26, 2008. U.S. Embassy San Jose hosted a orientation program for ten Costa Rican Fulbright Grantees, who will soon depart to study at universities all over the United States, from California to Massachusetts, in fields as diverse as Anthropology to Electrical Engineering. (more)
 

Quepos, (June 20, 2008) U.S. Ambassador Peter Cianchette visited a bridge that crosses the Guabos River in Quepos where five engineers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineering and their counterparts from the Costa Rican National Emergency Committee are constructing a Bailey type bridge for the benefit of the community. "I am here to convey our support and friendship to the people in the region," noted Ambassador Cianchette. (more)
 

San José (June 12, 2008)

Ambassador Cianchette presents his credentials

United States Ambassador Peter Cianchette, presented his credentials this afternoon to President Oscar Arias and to Minister Rodrigo Arias.

Following the presentation of credentials Ambassador Cianchette remarked:

“It is a tremendous honor and a great pleasure to be here today.  Moments ago, I concluded a meeting with President Arias and Minister Rodrigo Arias to present my credentials as the 56th U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica.

My journey to this position in Costa Rica has truly been a most humbling experience. I am grateful for the confidence that my country placed in me, and believe that my past public service and business experience have prepared me well to stand before you today. I look forward to drawing on these professional experiences to deepen the relationship that our two countries enjoy. (more)

San José (May 30, 2008)- Ambassador Peter Cianchette presents a copy of his credentials to Costa Rica's Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Stagno Ugarte.

Chancellor Stagno received Ambassador Cianchette at the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The date for formal presentation of his credentials to Costa Rican President, Dr. Oscar Arias, will be finalized soon.

The U.S. Ambassador has an MBA from the University of Maine and has occupied several positions within the American private sector. From 1996 to 2000 he was a member of Maine’s House of Representatives.

Mr. Peter Ernest Cianchette replaces Ambassador Mark Langdale, who concluded his mission in Costa Rica in January 2008. (more)

Latest News from Washington

• G8 Leaders Statement on Counterterrorism
  Recognizing that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats affecting all countries and peoples in the world, the G8 Leaders present their shared vision for countering terrorism. The objective is to defeat terrorists while still ensuring the rule of law and respect for human rights and international law.07/08/2008

• Former Drug Policy Chief Calls Colombia Triumph of U.S. Policy
  Barry McCaffrey, former U.S. drug policy director, says American policy toward Colombia has helped the country combat the illicit drug trade. McCaffrey said drug-fueled violence in Colombia is down and that for the first time in 30 years Colombia’s national police force has a presence in every Colombian municipality.07/07/2008
  
• United States “Delighted” by Successful Colombian Rescue Mission
  U.S. officials are offer praise and congratulations to Colombia for its military’s successful rescue mission that freed 15 hostages held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), including three Americans.  The FARC continues to hold many hostages and the United States also calls for their immediate release.07/03/2008
  
• Merida Initiative Will Help Battle Drug Trafficking
  Recognizing that illegal drug trafficking is not just a Mexican and Central American problem but also a problem for the United States, Congress and President Bush launch a multiyear partnership to provide equipment and training to curb the flow of narcotics.06/30/2008
  
• U.S. Agencies Unveil New Storm-Prediction Tool for Central America
  Port, aviation and emergency-management operations will benefit this summer when NextStorm, a new short-notice prediction tool for thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rains, goes operational in Central America and southern Mexico. NextStorm will be especially useful for areas without Doppler weather radar.06/27/2008