Pacheco Will Not Give Up His Immunity in the Face of Accusations Against Him
President Abel Pacheco, following accusations of irregularities for accepting and not reporting gifts, including the use of free tickets provided by TACA airlines, said yesterday he won't give up his immunity in the investigation, but will answer a call by the Ministerio Público and/or the Asamblea Legislative.

Fiscalía Asks TACA For Information on Free Tickets Used by President Pacheco
The accusations against President Abel Pacheco receiving unreported gifts and the resignation of the President's Chief Protocol officer on Monday prompted the Fiscalía de Delitos Económicos to open an investigation (Prosecutor's office for ecomonic crimes) into the matter.

Ruben Pacheco Donates to Arias Presidential Campaign
Hedging his bets, former Tourism Minister and businessman, Rubén Pacheco Lutz, who is involved in the controversy surrounding the granting of concessions for his Papagayo project, is also a contributor to presidential candidate Óscar Arias.

Rising River Water Sweeps Away Vehicles
The alert went out that an automobile and it's occupants had been swept by the rising waters of the La Gloria river in Jacó.

Was it Wet Enough for You Yesterday?
Accodring to the weatherman - Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) - a low pressure system coming from Panama is producing heavier than normal rains in the Pacific coast and affecting the Central Valley (San José) as well.

$50.000 Dollars Needed to Save This Pet
"Toby is the cutest little bunny on the planet. Unfortunately, he will DIE on June 30th, 2005 if you don't help" are the opening remarks on the website www.savetoby.com.

Costa Rica's National Team
Costa Rica has a long soccer history, one which dates back well before most American fans came to know them through World Cup Qualifying. The Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (FEDEFUTBOL) was founded in 1921, and gained FIFA affiliation in 1927.


LATIN AMERICA

Nicaraguan vice president urges rejection of state of economic
Nicaraguan Vice President Jose Rizo Castellon called on the National Assembly on Tuesday to reject the "state of economic emergency" proposed in a decree by President Enrique Bolanos and seek stability of the country.

Bolivian president warns of using force to end unrest
Bolivian President Carlos Mesa warned Tuesday of possible intervention of the armed forces, should the political and social crisis in the country worsens.

Shooting spree kills 7 in southwest Colombia
At least seven people died after gunmen opened fire on customers in a bar near Colombia's southwestern city of Tulua, the authorities said Tuesday.

Mexicans accused of exploiting deaf compatriots
Two Mexicans accused of exploiting deaf Mexican immigrants in the United States were extradited, the Mexican attorney general's office announced Tuesday.



SPECIAL REPORTS
INDIGENOUS BRAZIL:
Crime and Maybe Punishment in Latin America
 It has taken up to three decades, but some Latin American leaders suspected in politically motivated assassinations and death squad massacres may soon face justice following three unrelated developments in Chile, Colombia and Peru.