Consumer Nations Ill-Equipped to Confront Rising Energy Costs
While the recent surge in crude prices has been very much on the minds of global finance chiefs meeting in Washington this weekend, oil consuming nations - be they rich or poor - are ill-equipped to defend themselves against rising energy costs.

"Long Weekend" Proposal Gets Presidential Nod
The proposed law to move holidays that fall during the week to Mondays has been positively endorsed by President Abel Pacheco.

Two Conviction for Copying CD's
The two owners of the internet café, Ciber Café, in San Joaquín de Flores, Heredia, were convicted by the Tribunal de Juicio de Heredia to two years in prison for selling music downloaded from the internet.

Vacation Into Vocation
A story in a fishing magazine lured builder Mike Carter to Costa Rica 20 years ago. The Pacific Ocean's deep azure waters and abundant sailfish and yellowfin tuna have been reeling him back ever since.


LATIN AMERICA

18 killed in clash between Colombian soldiers, rebels
Two soldiers and at least 16 rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) were killed during a military operation by government troops in the southwest region of Toribio on Sunday, officials said.

Ecuadorian parliament dismisses Supreme Court
The Ecuadorian parliament late Sunday voted to dismiss members of the country's Supreme Court at a special session held in Quito, following mass street protests against recent judicial reforms.

Raul Castro Arrives in China
Raul Castro, first vice president of the Cuban Council of State and deputy secretary of the Communist Party (PCC) Central Committee, has arrived in China on Sunday for an official working visit to keep strengthening bilateral links.

Latin American, Caribbean Economies Grew 5.7 Percent in 2004
The World Bank (WB) raised its 2005 GDP growth forecast for Latin America, but at the same time warned Latin American countries to take advantage of their economic rebound to reduce high debt levels that threaten sustained growth.


SPECIAL REPORTS

RIGHTS-BRAZIL:
Indigenous Groups Welcome Gov't Decision on Reserve
Indigenous groups welcomed a decision by the Brazilian Justice Ministry Friday to formalise the demarcation of the Raposa Sierra del Sol reserve in the northern state of Roraima.