President Pacheco Leaves Hospital
Following three days in hospital, President Abel Pacheco left the Calderón Guardia yesterday morning for rest at home and be back to work on Monday.

Project Aims to Reduce Teen Pregnancy
The most recent statistics show that last year there were 1.231 pregnant young girls in "secundaria" - high school. That number equates to 7.7 for 1.000 students in school are pregnant.

Deputy Asks for Hacienda Minister Resignation Over "Cover Up"
Gloria Valerín, a legislative deputy for the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) has asked president Abel Pacheco to fire Hacienda Minister, Federico Carrillo, and is asking the Fiscalía (prosecutor's office) to begin an investigation in the apparent "cover up" by Carrillo of a young man who is accused of rape and happens to also be member of his family.

Gasoline Prices to Increase Again
It's been weeks since rising gasoline prices has been on anyone's mind. But, around thr corner is another increase.

St. Kitts and Nevis Ready to Establish Cultural and Trade Links with Costa Rica
St. Kitts and Nevis stands to benefit from the appointment of an Honourary Consul General in Costa Rica.

Arlene Dumps More Rain Our Way
Tropical Storm Arlene is expected to dump a lot of water on the Central and South Pacific areas as well as the Central Valley, according to the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN) - the weatherman.


LATIN AMERICA

Colombia, US seize over 2 tons of cocaine in Pacific Ocean
he Colombian and US authorities on Thursday seized 2.1 tons of cocaine in a maritime operation near Colombia's Pacific coastline, the Colombian navy said.

Colombian president asks ELN to lay down arms
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe on Thursday called on the anti-government National Liberation Army (ELN) to lay down arms and return to peace talks.

Bolivian Congress accepts president's resignation
Bolivia's Congress Thursday unanimously accepted the resignation of President Carlos Mesa and appointed President of the Supreme Court Eduardo Rodriguez as interim leader of the South American country.

Ecuadorian energy minister's resignation accepted
Ecuadorian President Alfredo Palacio on Thursday accepted the resignation of Energy and Mining Minister Fausto Cordovez, another high-ranking official to quit in a scandal over unpaid debts to a state agency.

Rodriguez sworn in as Bolivia's new president
Bolivia's Supreme Court President Eduardo Rodriguez was sworn in as the country's new president late Thursday night after Congress unanimously accepted the resignation of his embattled predecessor Carlos Mesa in an emergency session.


SPECIAL REPORTS

POLITICS-U.S.:
Human Trafficking Report Blames the Usual Suspects
The inclusion of Cuba, Venezuela and other countries out of favour with Washington on a blacklist of nations that sponsor or tolerate human trafficking has raised eyebrows among experts who believe the assessment reflects a policy of ''selective indignation''.