Costa Rica held national elections on Feb. 7. Laura Chinchilla, of the incumbent party, was elected president. We are affirming our 'BB/B' foreign currency and 'BB+/B' local currency ratings on Costa Rica. The outlook on the long-term ratings remains stable, reflecting our expectation that the new administration will maintain continuity in economic policies and that the government's debt burden likely will remain stable. On Feb. 9, 2010, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BB/B' foreign currency and 'BB+/B' local currency credit ratings on the Republic of Costa Rica. The outlook on the long-term ratings remains stable. At the same time, we affirmed our 'BBB-' transfer and convertibility assessment. We also affirmed our 'BB+' ratings on Costa Rica's foreign currency
