Ten passengers were injured when three buses of the Tuasa company slammed into each other a few hundred metres north of the Hotel Coribicí, a down hill where traffic accidents are common. Tránsito (traffic) officials say the buses were moving bumper-to-bumper when they crashed into each other. [Foto: Róger Córdoba]

"Chinese Mafia" Offered Bribes For Visas
A long and tedious investigation resulted in the arrest of five yesterday, related to a group who had offered to bribe the head of the Migración y Extranjería, Mario Zamora, to approve visa to Orientals. Officials say the five are members of the "chinese mafia" that has been operating in the country for years.

Public Sector Rejects Salary Decree
The United Federation of Workers and Teachers (CUSIMA) expressed total opposition to the "salary decree" for the public sector.

Stream Buys Contact Centre
Privately held technical support and customer service outsourcing company Stream has bought Supra Telecom's contact center in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, Taiwan Eye Free Trade Talks
Costa Rica and Taiwan are considering negotiating a free trade pact, the announcement of Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian has proposal of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Porno Conference Immoral, Legislator Says
Legislator Guyón Massey, of the Partido Restauración Nacional, announced yesterday that he will asking authorities of the municipality of Garabito to stop the planned adult entertainment conference that will be held in Jacó.



Nicaragua's Ortega To Humble Start
Nicaraguan President, Sandinista Daniel Ortega started on Thursday his five-year mandate from a new presidential office, although he will be in permanent contact with the people.

Salvador, Why Celebrate Peace Agreements?
Social organizations in El Salvador object to the January 16 celebration of the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Accords, between the government and the FMLN, and demand the government report about those who disappeared during the conflict.

Nicaragua Joins Bolivarian Alternative
Nicaragua is due to join Thursday to the Bolivarian Alternative of the Americas (ALBA), an integration project boosted by Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia, and based on cooperation, solidarity and respect of sovereignty.

Cuba Announces New TV News Channel
Cuba's new TV news channel ACN, a new information support with a dynamic vision of Cuban life, was presented Thursday at the 8th National Written Press Festival, which will conclude Friday at the Havana Convention Center.

Socialism Tops Venezuela Agenda
The creation of a socialist project tops the Venezuelan policy agenda on Thursday in the new mandate of President Hugo Chavez, sworn in for the 2007-2013 period.


RIGHTS-COLOMBIA:
Constitutional Court Holds Out Hope for Displaced
"You can't imagine what it is like to lose everything in a split second, to flee as fast as you can with your terrified, hungry family, with no friends and without a single peso in your pockets, full of sadness because you're leaving behind everything -- however much or little -- that you have gained after years of work."