Union of Banana Producing Nations Proposed
Costa Rica's president, Abel Pacheco,  Thursday proposed creating a union of Latin American banana producing nations, a move aimed at fighting higher European Union tariffs designed to protect producers in the Caribbean and Africa.

Drug Exports 'To Rise' If Bananas Halted
Drug production and emigration to industrialized countries will increase if Europe does not keep its doors open to Latin American bananas, the president of Costa Rica has warned.

A Terrorist Attack Could Happen Here
The terrorist attack in London on Wednesday has led specialists to believe that Costa Rica is not free to suffer from such attacks.

Pacheco Will Leave the TLC For the Next President
The ratification of the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - the Free Trade Agreement with the United States - will not go to the Costa Rican Legislature during the current session if President Abel Pacheco has his way.

Chang Says "No Thanks" To Arias
A report in today's edition of the Spanish language newspaper La Nación claims that former president Óscar Arias and candidate in the February election did not offer astronaut Franklin Chang Díaz the vice presidential spot on his election ticket.

Soccer: Costa Rica Defeats Canada 1-0
Jafet Soto converted a penalty kick in the first half and Costa Rica held on to beat Canada 1-0 on Thursday night in the first round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Animals’ Greatest Hits Go On Internet
Ever fancy waking up to the sound of a crazy frog? No, not that crazy frog, but a chorus of strawberry frogs from Costa Rica.


LATIN AMERICA

Nicaraguan police seize 900 kg cocaine
The Nicaraguan police seized 900 kg cocaine hidden in a truck and arrested the Costa Rican driver in Penas Blancas, near the border with Costa Rica, local reports said Thursday.

Cuba prepares for Hurricane Dennis
Cuba is preparing itself for the arrival of Hurricane Dennis, which has lashed Haiti and Jamaica.

Rains kill 24 in Venezuela
Heavy rains in recent days in Venezuela left 24 dead, 578 injured and many missing, said Thursday Civil Protection (PC) director Colonel Antonio Rivero.

160 Colombian paramilitaries back into civil life
At least 160 paramilitaries of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) were gathered in the Andean country's northern part prior to a demobilization plan within the framework of the peace process, a government communique said Thursday.

Panamanian Social Security Reforms Postponed
The reform law for the Panamanian Social Security Fund (CSS) was postponed Wednesday for 90 days, after promulgation by decree in the Official Gazette.


SPECIAL REPORTS

SOUTH AMERICA:
Biotech Opens Doors to Andean Development
The aid of the sweet potato for fighting vitamin A deficiency in Africa, and a biological agent that fights moulds which attack roses and bean crops are just two examples of how biotechnology is being used to make the most -- socially and economically -- of the biodiversity in South America's Andean region.