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Carlos Alvarado Sworn In as Costa Rican President

by Associated Press

   SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA --

   Journalist Carlos Alvarado has been sworn in as Costa Rica's president,
   accepting the sash of office from his predecessor and ally, Luis
   Guillermo Solis.
   In his first speech as president, Alvarado said he intends to improve
   employment, education and health and fight poverty.
   The 38-year-old called Tuesday for unity and said his administration
   will be known for inclusivity.
   In Alvarado's words: "Under the clear blue of our skies, there is room
   for all of us." He promised a "plural" government.
   That was a nod to what became a key issue in the presidential election
   and the April 1 runoff, same-sex marriage.
   Alvarado supports it, while opponent Fabricio Alvarado had opposed it.
   The two men are not related.