Stealing Gasoline Results of the High Price of the Fuel
The high cost of gasoline in Costa Rica is producing a new kind of thief: fill the tank and run off without paying.

The Free Trade Agreement
We could say it all began over a decade ago with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was signed between Canada, the United States and Mexico with the purpose of exporting and importing products and services from and to each other, without having to pay for the additional tariffs, otherwise known as taxes imposed on foreign products.

"Diay" Now An Official Word
The term "diay" commonly used by Ticos now officially forms part of the Spanish language after being included in the Diccionario de la Real Academia Española (2001).

Plan Fiscal Back to Commission Level
Like a ping pong ball, for three years now the Plan Fiscal - Tax Reform - is being bounced back and forth and without an approval in sight.

Trade Pact Will Tear Down Walls to Growth in Latin America
Throughout the 30-plus years that Intel has been involved overseas, we've seen firsthand how engagement with other countries has helped spur dramatic economic and social improvements. It is clear that investment and involvement by American companies in communities around the world has had a positive impact, both at home and abroad.

Crackdown on Internet Pharmaceutical Sales Catches 20
Twenty people in eight U.S. cities, India and Costa Rica were arrested in the past two days and charged with helping run a global Internet prescription drug trafficking ring, U.S. officials said.

China To Host Costa Rica in Soccer Friendly in June
China will play Costa Rica in a friendly international on June 19, the Chinese Football Association said on Wednesday.

TRAVEL & TOURISM
Adventure tourism: more than a day at the beach
Looking at the world upside down is quite an experience. It’s early morning in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the sun is shining through the trees and I’m strapped into a sturdy harness with buckles around my thighs, waist and tush.

LATIN AMERICA

Ecuadorian president ousted, vice president takes over
The Ecuadorian congress on Wednesday ousted President Lucio Gutierrez and named Vice President Alfredo Palacio as the country's new head of state after mass protests demanded Gutierrez's dismissal.

Latin American leaders concerned over situation in Ecuador
 Leaders of Latin American countries expressed concerns Wednesday for the situation in Ecuador and hoped that the country could restore calm and stability after the sacking of President Lucio Gutierrez.

Brazil grants asylum to Gutierrez
The Brazilian government agreed to grant political asylum to ousted Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutierrez, a Brazilian Foreign Ministry official said Wednesday.

Panama seizes illegal arms to Colombian rebels
The Panamanian authorities have seized a cache of illegal arms meant for Colombian rebel forces, police said Wednesday.


SPECIAL REPORTS

ECUADOR:
New President to Serve Out Full Term, Despite Protesters' Wishes
Ecuador's new president, Alfredo Palacio, told IPS that he would complete the term of Lucio Gutiérrez, who was removed by Congress Wednesday, even though the protesters demanding that Gutiérrez step down called for early elections in just four months.