From the Tico Times, May 4th
"In Costa Rica, Honduran president prepares for truth commission"
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story3


Honduran President Porfirio Lobo is in Costa Rica to initiate a truth commission to investigate the coup in Honduras last June 28th. Lobo wanted to thank Costa Rican President Arias for his assistance in mediating the situation last summer.
Last June former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was kicked out for charges that he wanted to amend the constitution, which is illegal in Honduras. During the coup Arias offered to help resolve the issue. Arias spoke with both arguing parties, hoping to mediate the problem.
President Lobo is Honduras' newest president since the coup. Lobo as promised to uphold Arias' 12 points that were written during the mediation process. The plan calls for a truth commission to investigate the coup. Many wanted Lobo to "let the details of the conflict remain buried" but Lobo does not agree.
Lobo hopes the investigation will reveal the causes of the coup which will then allow the country to move on.
Arias has also used the commission to show the legitimacy of Lobo's presidency. Many in the international community have yet to recognize Lobo. Arias commented that it is "absolutely unacceptable" that Lobo has not been recognized by world leaders.

From the Tico Times, May 3rd
"Costa Rican legislators approve final piece of CAFTA"
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story2

Costa Rica's legislative passes through the final piece to a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. While the approval is significant, many feel it is a year overdue.
The long lasting debate about the passing of the Agreement effectively put a hold on Costa Rican sugar exports to the United States. Legal director for a sugar industry advocacy group, Rigoberto Vega, estimates over $1 million dollars in revenue has been lost due to the delay. Hopefully the American sugar ban will be lifted within the next month due to the recent passing of the bill.
Some are upset with the law passing. Many say the law went too far especially dealing with matters of patented common agriculture products. The law could eliminate smaller producers.
The law must still be reviewed by a high court. Many judges have already voiced their concerns with the law.

From Tico Times, May 3rd
"Arias' last words: Costa Rica needs to push for development"
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story1

President Arias will be finishing his second term as President of Costa Rica on May 8th. President-elect Laura Chinchilla will be the new and first female president of the country. Arias spoke to his country a final time and pushed for further development in Costa Rica.
In his last speech to the nation Arias "called on the country to continue the push to become a developed nation." Arias also encouraged supporting a Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States. Arias also reflected back on his accomplishments in the last four years while speaking to the Legislative Assembly.
Arias noted his work on reducing the poverty rate, new infrastructure and more environmental protection. Arias also believes he put forth the best economic plan in Central America to deal with last year's economic crisis.
Arias hopes that Costa Rica will begin to pass important bills faster and to skip the judicial review process. Many try to stall bills they don't approve of. Arias hopes future leaders of Costa Rica will consider leadership before party unanimity.
Arias noted that his greatest accomplishment was restoring confidence to Costa Ricans. Arias believes Costa Rica can become a developed country.

From the Tico Times, April 29th
"Protests set for San Jose, San Ramon, La Garita, Liberia and Jaco"
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story1


Protests are scheduled in cities all over Costa Rica for April 29th. The protesters include private car service drivers, teachers, and dockworker's associations. The protests are scheduled two days before International Worker's day.
The protestors are upset over legislation which would ban porteadores, private car service drivers. The drivers are upset because they feel the bill is being passed to eliminate competition for public transportation. These private sector drivers service tourists and students. The protestors feels "somebody wants our service, and that's because there are deficiencies in the other service."
President Arias' officials say that they are in contact with the leaders of the protests. Teachers and dockworkers were asked to join the protests "in defense of the rights of the working class." Teachers also hope to push "single salary' for public employees.
The protestors have even asked Barack Obama to back their cause. The protests are expected to fill the streets of Costa Rica's capital. Protestors say the demonstrations will be peaceful.

The the reuters.com, April 27th
"Costa Rica gold mine stalled by environmental claims"
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2614311620100426?type=marketsNews

In 2008 environmental groups in Costa Rica went to court to stop open pit mining along Costa Rica's boarder with Nicaragua. As of April 26th a court ruled that mining can begin again. The environmental groups claim that the mining is threatening local animals and vegetation.
The company, Infinito Gold Ltd. is a Canadian. Although the court ruled that mining could begin again environmental groups say they will not stop challenging the project. Many endangered species live in the area where the company is working. As they clear more and more trees the chances of effecting animal life in the area is increased.
The gold company could produce up to 85,000 ounces of gold per year. The initial investment for the project was $66 million dollars. Gold is one of Costa Rica's few mineral resources.
When current President Arias came to power he reversed a moratorium on open pit mining. Arias says the project is "of national interest". Many environmentalists were upset with this ruling. Arias has endorsed many more laws lessening environmental restrictions in Costa Rica, a country hailed for its commitment to environmental protection.
Laura Chinchilla, the President-elect will take office on May 8th. She is in the same party, the National liberation party, as Arias. She has promised not to allow new open-pit mining once she come to power. She did not mention her opinion on Infinito Gold's predicament.

From CCN.com March 15
edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/04/14/costa.rica.trial/
"Ex-Costa Rican leader on trial in bribery case"

Yesterday former Costa Rican President Miguel Angel Rodriquez went on trial along with eight others for accusations of bribery. Rodriquez is on trial for accepting bribes which allowed a mobile phone company to get a $149 million dollar contract with the Costa Rican government.
Rodriquez was preident from 1998 to 2002. The French company Alcatel allegedly rewarded Rodriquez with over $600,000 in exchange for helping the company get a contract with the Costa Rican Electricity Institution. In 2004 Rodriquez was Secretary-General for the Organization of American States when he was suddenly charged with bribery. Rodriquez had to resign from his position.
A former Alcatel exectutive, Christian Sapsizian, admitted to the bribery scheme. Sapsizian was sentenced to 30 months in federal prision in the US. The charge was for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The company traded on the New York Stock exchange.
Along with Rodriquez, many other high official from his administration will also be put on trial.

From InsideCostaRica.com March 12
http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2010/april/12/costarica10041201.htm
"Costa Rica Frees 36 Asians From 'Modern Slavery' "

On Sunday, March 10th, Costa Rican official freed 36 Asians that were being held on two fishing boats. The people on the boats were being kept against their will while being beaten and forced to work without compensation. The boats are operated by foreign shipping companies.
Police discovered that the men were forced to work for over 20 hours a day, with no pay, harsh punishments and little food. Director of the OIJ said "they were in completely unsanitary, inhumane, overcrowded (conditions)."
The men comprised of 15 Vietnamese, 13 Indonesians, 5 Filipinos, 2 Taiwanese and one Chinese national. The men were told they would be paid, although the money was never received by the workers. The men's passports were also taken to ensure they could not escape.
Recently human trafficking has become more prominent in the black market. It is currently the third most lucrative business behind drug and arms trafficking. The UN estimates that human trafficking generate $9.5 billion a year.

Tico Times, April 12
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story3
"Costa Rican Environmental group attacks Arias' record"

Current Costa Rican President Oscar Arias has recently been criticized by FECON, a Costa Rican environmental organization. FECON mentioned pollution from pineapple plantations along with Arias' support of open pit gold mining. The organization is most critical of Arias' presentation of his administration to the world as highly environmentally conscious, which is inconsistent with his actual policies.
Costa Rica has been praised for many years for its environmental protection efforts. Many feel that Arias ran with this perception of the country, while actually not continuing environmental preservation efforts.
The expansion of pineapple farms has resulted in water contamination along with soil damage. This is seen as the biggest environmental mistake of Arias' presidency. In 2008 Arias also approved open pit mining in Las Crucitas in northern Costa Rica. The mine could possibly contaminate water while damaging the soil. These damages will affect many trees and animals, including some endangered species.
Arias has yet to respond to the criticisms of his administration.

From the Tico Times, April 1st
http://www.ticotimes.net/topstory.htm
"Long Live Costa Rica"

The National Statistics and Census Institute recently conducted a study of life expectancy around the world. In Costa Rica the average life span in 2009 was 79.3 years. This was the highest recorded average life span for Costa Rica. It was accomplished because of a decrease in infant mortality rate. Currently Costa Rica has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America.
Back in the 1950s the infant mortality rate in the country was 93.8 children per 1,000 births. The life expectancy was only 57.3 years then. Now the infant mortality rate is 8.84 out of every 1,000 births. Circumstances have changed dramatically in Costa Rica.
Officials credit the discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s and 50s which began to be used heavily worldwide, including developing countries. These medicines along with others have helped to combat common diseases such as polio, tuberculosis and hepatitis. Vaccination use has also been dramatically increased in the past century.
The UN estimates the average world life expectancy in 1950 was 46.6 years with an infant mortality rate of 151.9 for every 1,000 births. Today the world life expectancy is 67.7 years. The infant mortality rate is now only 47.3 for every 1,000 births.
Costa Rica has done well in increasing its national life expectancy. Currently Costa Rica is right ahead of the US which has a life expectancy of 79.2 years.

From the Tico Times, March 30th
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story3
"Arias outplaced by Honduran President Porfirio 'Pepe' Lobo in approval rating"

Recently current Costa Rican president Oscar Arias' approval ratings have dropped by six points. He still has a 67% approval and a 27% disapproval rating.
The big news was that newly elected Honduran President Porfirio 'Pepe' Lobo's rating has been increasing. A divided Honduras has been recovering since last summer. Their last president was kicked out of his home at gunpoint while the rest of the country was under a curfew and isolated. Currently Lobo's approval rating is second in Central America. The number one approval rating is Mauricio Funes of El Salvador with 82%. Lobo's approval rating is at 75%.
Nicaragua's President Danieal Ortega is the least liked president in Central America. Only 43% of people in Nicaragua approve with 43% who disapprove.
Arias still has a fairly high approval rating in his country. He will leave office on May 8th when Laura Chinchilla will take office.

From the Tico Times, March 30th
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story4
"Five Costa Rican beaches lose blue flags"

Costa Rica gives out 'blue flags' to various areas in the country that make significant contributions to environmental protection and conservation. In 2009 five beaches lost these flags, meaning the levels of pollution in their ecosystems were not up to standards. The beaches are Bejuco, El Rey, Hermosa de Garabito, Quesera and Puntarenas. Eighty-one beaches were part of the blue flag program and only sixty-one were recognized this year.
In all of Costa Rica there are over 300 areas which received blue flags. The program has been in place since 1996. The award is very prestigious in the country and internationally.
President Oscar Arias gave the awards out this year. Arias also commented on how dedicated Costa Rica is to sustainable development. He noted the extensive tree planting program in the country. Arias is proud of how much "greener" Costa Rica has become in recent years and that "the world knows it".

From the New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/16/world/AP-LT-Drug-War-Costa-Rica.html?scp=2&sq=costa%20rica&st=cse
"Costa Rican President-Elect to Fight Drug Cartels"

President-elect Laura Chinchilla has vowed to decrease drug trafficking when she takes office. Chinchilla is hoping to work with other countries, Mexico and Columbia, in order to achieve her goal.
Part of Chinchilla's efforts are to increase police intelligence and cooperation between various agencies to find drug traffickers. Most of these traffickers are assumed to be part of Mexican drug cartels. Chinchilla hopes to prevent traffickers' access to Costa Rica.
Recently there has been an increase in Mexican drug cartel's presence in Costa Rica. Only weeks ago police officers found over a ton of cocaine in a small house outside of the capital. The two men caught with the drugs are part of the Juarez cartel. Chinchilla will make her stance against drug trafficking her primary goal once she takes office on May 8th.

From the Tico Times, March 15th
http://www.ticotimes.net/dailyarchive/2010_03/0315101.cfm
"Costa Rico's indigenous stone spheres considered for prestigious list"

Recently new pre-Columbian stone spheres were found in Costa Rica. The country is hoping these stones will be considered for the rather exclusive World Heritage list of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The list includes cultural sites, monuments or artifacts that "have outstanding universal value".
The spheres were discovered in the southern part of the country. Many archaeologists and other academics came to the site to see the discovery. These perfectly round monoliths have been found throughout Costa Rica since the 1940s. They were usually placed outside of government buildings or purchased by private citizens. They can vary in size dramatically, with some as small as a soccer ball and others almost 15 tons. These were thought to be made by natives who had to chisel ground granodiorite boulders to make the spheres.
Many have tried to identify the cultural significance of the spheres in pre-Columbia culture. Some believe the spheres were symbols of social class and position in ancient times. The Chiriqui people lived in Costa Rica from 800 to 1500 AD. They are thought to be the creators of the spheres. Archeological evidence shows they were experts with stone.
Before the stones can be considered for the World Heritage List more evidence needs to be gathered. They must also find a way to preserve the spheres. Many in Costa Rica feel it is more important for the stones to be acknowledged by the World Heritage List than by their own government. It may take over ten years for the spheres to be officially accepted. Although much research had been done, Costa Rica will continue to try and get the spheres recognized.

From the Tico Times, March 16th
http://www.ticotimes.net/daily.htm#story2
"Costa Rica to funnel $10 million settlement into public programs"

Last week a French telecom equipment company paid Costa Rico $11 million in a settlement from a corruption case in the country. The company, Alcatel-Lucent paid the country for "societal damages". The money from this settlement will be funneled into public programs.
The french company allegedly paid kickbacks to former President Miguel Angel Rodriguez and to many other officials back in 2001. They did this in order to get a contract to provide cell phone equipment in the country.
Officials have announced that they want the settlement to be used to "direct[ly] impact the population". The idea of receiving "societal damages" is new for Costa Rica and Latin America.
President Rodriguez was in office from 1998 to 2002. He will go on trial for taking kick backs from the company soon. His lawyers have been trying to pushing back the dates for his preliminary hearing. This will be the second time a Costa Rican president will go to trial for criminal charges. Former President Calderon was charged and will serve five years in prison for embezzlement.