President Pacheco in More Hot Water
President Abel Pacheco continues to be on the heat seat following several admitted irregularities over the receipt of a lifetime membership to a luxury club in the Dominican Republic and free airline tickets by the TACA Group airline.

Arias Would Win the Vote But Not the Election, Poll Shows
A recent poll by Borge y Asociados, puts Óscar Arias, presidential candidate for the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) clear ahead of his rivals with a difference of some 17 percentage points.

Buying a Used Car in Costa Rica Can be Tricky Business.
Making sure that the vehicle is mechanically sound, that all the accessories work, there are no leans registered against the vehicle and that ownership and registration is good are just part of a sound purchase

Tighter Residency Rules Proposed
A new measure currently under consideration in Costa Rica's legislature will see an increase in the minimum income level required of foreign families seeking residence status in the country.

Tamarindo Spoils Customers with Bank Offer
Banking, once the bane of every Tamarindo resident and tourist alike, is about to spoil them with choice.


LATIN AMERICA

Colombian army seizes large amount of ammunition from rebels
Colombian army has seized half a million assault rifle bullets and nearly a ton of explosives in a southern jungle, an army officer said Sunday.

Venezuela Taking Measures to Thwart President Assassination
Venezuelan opposition circles, cornered by the success of President Hugo Chavez´ political, social and economic development programs are plotting again to carry out anti-constitutional actions three years after a failed coup.

Meeting against Terrorism, for Truth and Justice in Cuba
Hundreds of intellectuals, artists, union and social leaders, Congressmen and political leaders will gather in Havana for an International Meeting against Terrorism, for Truth and Justice, on June 2 - 3.

Pressured, Bolivian President Refuses to Resign
The administration of Bolivian President Carlos Mesa asserted he would continue in his post, despite entrepreneurs, politicians, radical leaders and even two insubordinate officers have asked him to resign.

SPECIAL REPORTS
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES-BRAZIL:
''Lula frustrated our expectations''
At age 28, Jecinaldo Barbosa Cabral is leader of an association of Amazonian indigenous organisations, COIAB, the largest group of its kind in Brazil.