March 19 (UPI) -- Costa Rica has formally severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions and following a similar move earlier this month by Ecuador. President Rodrigo Chaves announced the decision Wednesday from the presidential palace alongside U.S. Ambassador Melinda Hildebrand. He said the move was based on ideological principles and human rights concerns. Chaves said his administration does not recognize the legitimacy of what he called the island's "