Immigration Offices Raided by OIJ
The Ministerio Público and the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) made special call on the offices of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería in La Uruca yesterday to affect a series of searches.

Father Delgado Facing 72 Years Prison For Abuses
The trial of priest Enrique Delgado is coming close to the end as the Ministerio Público is asking the judges for 72 years prison - 24 years on each count of abuse against three minors.

8.000 Cellular Lines on Sale
Looking to purchase a cellular line? The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) has some 8.000 of the TDMA lines on sale since yesterday and is offering it first to those who have already made a formal request and then to the general sale after filling all the back logged orders.

Fast Food Giant Draws Local Fire
A war of words has broken out in Tamarindo over the humble hamburger.

MyBookie.com Signs Exclusive Deal with Warner Brothers
In what proves to be another industry first, online gaming company MyBookie.com, a leading entertainment gaming company, based in San José, has signed an exclusive product placement agreement with Warner Brothers for the upcoming film 'Lucky You,' starring Drew Barrymore.

Costa Rica's Success a Model for Kansas Kids Voting Program
A festive environment on a Sunday could be the reason why parents, grandparents and children turn out by the thousands to vote on election days in Costa Rica.

Crucitas Permitting Process Advances
Vannessa Ventures Ltd. through its 100 percent owned subsidiary, Industrias Infinito S.A., has filed responses to questions on the Company's Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the Ministry of Environment (SETENA) regarding the Company's proposed Cerro Crucitas gold mine in Costa Rica.

LATIN AMERICA

Ecuador's new president promises political reforms
Newly-installed Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio said on Monday that his government will conduct important reforms in the country, especially in the electoral system.

Gutierrez to formally ask for political asylum in Brazil
Sacked Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutierrez on Tuesday will present his formal request for political asylum to Brazilian Justice Minister Marcio Thomaz Bastos.

Rice to arrive in Brazil for first Latin American tour
US Secretary of State Condolezza Rice will arrive in Brazil on Tuesday to kick off her first Latin American tour, which will also take her to Colombia, Chile and El Salvador.

EU, US recognize Ecuador's new government
The European Union (EU) and the United States have recognized Ecuador's new government, reports reaching here said Monday.

Mexico City mayor returns to work
Mexico City Mayor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador returned to work Monday in defiance of the federal government, which said his act was a violation of law.


SPECIAL REPORTS

DEVELOPMENT:
Microcredit Makes Strong Inroads in Latin America and Caribbean
Reaching 75 percent of the world's poor families with microloans and helping to boost the incomes of those living in extreme poverty were the two major challenges assumed at the regional microcredit summit for Latin America and the Caribbean.