San José, Costa Rica - Friday 09 July 2004

1.415.265 Hits in June!

 

XXIV Veulta Inter Ciclista Juventud Costa Rica 2004 took place yesterday. The run ended by mid day in front of the Mall International de Alajuela, just as a light rain began to fall in the area. Click for larger image!

TLC Will Go To Legislative Assembly in August
According to President Abel Pacheco, his skepticism over the Tratado Libre de Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement - and the Tax Plan, is based solely on the last of support he has been receiving.

Tougher Immigration Requirements Announced
An announcement in new immigration requirements announced this week is to ensure that criminals and "mafiosos" don't enter Costa Rica.

Weak spots in economy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointed out the weaknesses of the economy of Costa Rica, remarking the delay in applying structural reforms and the growing public debt as compared to the national output. 

RACSA Claims to Have Bettered Internet Access
RACSA - the state owned provider of internet service - announced yesterday that it has increased it's capacity by 33%, providing better and faster service to it's subscribers connecting to the world wide web.

COPA AMERICA:
Costa Rica Loses to Paraguay
The downtown afternoon rush wasn't filled with cars, people rushing, crowds at each corner.

News Briefs
Experts assure that the recent activity at the Arenal Volcano is normal. On July 2, the volcano spewed ashes and gases that put Comisión Nacional de Emergencias - emergency crews- and neighbours of La Fortuna on alert.

OAS urges credibility in Colombia's peace process The Organization of American States Thursday urged the Colombian government to make the peace process with the outlawed right-wing armed group United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) more transparent and credible. South America trade bloc expands The South American trade bloc, Mercosur, has accepted Mexico and Venezuela as associate members. Chile satisfied with Argentina's planned increase in gas exports The Chilean government on Thursday expressed its satisfaction over the Argentine government's decision to regularize its supply of natural gas and increase gas exports next year. Chilean Court hints to charge Pinochet for abuses of human rights The Santiago Appeals Court Wednesday confirmed former dictator Augusto Pinochet was aware of his abuses of human rights, indicating the 88-year-old former strongman may be tried later. International News from the New York Times

SOCIAL CALENDAR Another Bites the Dust! Congratulations go our dear friend and loyal Inside Costa Rica reader, Les Nuñez, who tied the knot this week. Les married Franci Hermosa in a private ceremony on Wednesday, attended by family and friends. Les, we wish you and your new bride the best of all to come and in typical "italian" wish "may your first be a boy!"   SPECIAL REPORTS VENEZUELA: Andean Coffee Growers to Protect Biodiversity Farmers in the Andes region of southwest Venezuela soon will have alternatives to subsistence farming of traditional crops of coffee and vegetables, their main source of income. A new conservation programme is geared towards promoting ecotourism and other sustainable revenue generators. Through the initiative, small farmers in the highlands will receive loans for developing projects that halt deforestation and protect endangered species while providing a livelihood. THE TAKE: DON'T ASK “What is ecotourism?” The interesting thing about ecotourism is that very few people know how to answer that question. The large part of the problem is that ecotourism means different things to different people. To some, Pirates of the Caribbean might suit well for an ecotourist adventure. To others, eating tree bark while photographing squirrels is a much better alternative. “People, the fickle creatures that we are, went to all the trouble to build cities only later to find ourselves wanting to leave them.”

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