Wild Bill Cortez in Panama By JUAN ZAMORANO, Associated Press PANAMA CITY – A U.S. couple was deported in shackles Thursday from Nicaragua to Panama, where they face charges of killing two Americans and questioning in the disappearances of 5 other people.Authorities identified the suspects as William Cortez and his wife, Jane, though the male suspect claimed his name was William Dathan Holbert, which matches a suspect featured on the "America's Most Wanted" website who is reportedly wanted for a 2005 fraud case in North Carolina.The couple was arrested in Nicaragua, and prosecutors said they had apparently preyed on residents of the scenic coastal Bocas del Toro region in what President Ricardo Martinelli called "one of the first cases of serial murders" in the Central American country."He picked out his victims after making their acquaintance," assistant prosecutor Angel Calderon told reporters. "Knowing that nobody would ask about them, he got rid of them."They are charged with killing Cheryl Lynn Hughes, 53, a St. Louis, Missouri-native who had lived in Panama for 10 years, and Bo Icelar, who a friend described as the former owner of a Santa Fe, New Mexico, gallery.The pair were caught Monday by Nicaraguan soldiers at the border with Costa Rica after they identified themselves with what authorities have called false names.Since investigators uncovered the bodies of Hughes and Icelar last week, buried in shallow graves behind a hotel run by Cortez in Bocas del Toro, "residents have come out and given testimony, knowing that he (Cortez) is in custody," Calderon said.Cortez and his wife face charges for "crimes against the life and personal integrity" of the two victims, said Assistant Director of Investigations Omar Pinzon. He said they will also be questioned about the disappearance of five other people — reportedly three Americans and two Panamanian workers.Upon arrival at Panama City's Albrook airport, Cortez and his wife were bundled into a vehicle and taken to a cell at the Office of Judicial Investigation. Before entering, Cortez told Channel 13 television, "The people of Panama are very friendly, and I like living here."Asked about the two deaths, Cortez laughed and said: "I need to speak to them (authorities) about that. I just want to say, thanks for the trip."Investigators in Panama say the killings may have been part of a scheme to steal the victims' property on a Caribbean archipelago popular with expatriates.Friends and relatives say Hughes owned the hotel but wanted to sell it, and that Cortez took it over after she disappeared in March.She was reported missing by a friend. Police found her body after her estranged husband, Keith Werle, persuaded them to search the hotel run by Cortez.Werle, who also lives in Panama but was separated from Hughes, said Cortez claimed he had bought Hughes' property and that she had left the area without saying where she was going.Werle said he began suspecting Cortez when his stories about the transaction didn't add up, and when he realized that Cortez also owned property that had belonged to Icelar, who also disappeared in Bocas del Toro, a Panamanian archipelago of mangrove islands.Werle said he received text messages from Hughes' phone that he found suspicious, including one claiming that she had gone sailing."She didn't like sailing. The stories he kept telling people didn't make sense," Werle said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.Then Werle stopped hearing from Hughes altogether, which he found implausible despite their estrangement. The couple moved to Panama together 10 years ago and married after five years. "If she had met someone and moved on or something she would have thrown that in my face," he said. Werle said several of Hughes' dogs, her passport and other items belonging to her were found at the hotel during the police search last week. It was one of the dogs that led police to Hughes' body in a wooded area behind the house, he said. A few hours later, police found another body that Panamanian authorities identified as Icelar. Icelar, too, had been trying to sell his property in Panama and move back to the United States, said longtime friend, Sharon L. McConnell. He wanted to leave Panama "because the political climate was such that he didn't want to get involved in any of that stuff," she added. McConnell became suspicious after Icelar stopped answering his phone on Nov. 30. She learned Cortez had bought the property and left numerous phone messages for him asking about Icelar's whereabouts. Cortez never returned those messages. Eventually, she asked a friend of Icelar's in Panama to report him as missing. According to the America's Most Wanted article, William Dathan Holbert was involved in a similar scheme of taking over a house in North Carolina. The article cites police as saying the man travels under different identities. The U.S. Embassy said it had no information about Icelar, but Calderon said he was an American. The embassy declined to comment on the investigation or on the two U.S. suspects. It was unclear if Cortez and his wife had an attorney. Panamanian police said they are investigating how Cortez obtained Hughes' hotel and property that had belonged to Icelar.     Bill Captured in Nicaragua   Story Panama Jack First Report in the capture of  William (Wild Bill)  Adolfo Cortez and Jean Seana Cortez in Nicaragua are coming. The couple is accused of the murder of several person in Boca del Toro Panama and are believed to have been involved in several other murders. The couple were seen in Costa Rica for a few day, but must have slipped across into Nicaragua .Nicaragua detains 2 foreigners in Panama Murder case  Associated Press     MANAGUA, Nicaragua – The Nicaraguan army detained two foreigners at the border with Costa Rica on Monday, and Panamanian officials said they are investigating whether the couple is linked to the discovery of a dead American woma Panama Murder captured in Rio San Juan, Nicaragua after escapinf from Costa RicaFugitive pair from Panamá are captured on Río San JuanBy the A.M. Costa Rica staff A man and woman sought for investigation of multiple murders in Panamá seem to have spent several weeks in Costa Rica before they tried to flee to Nicaragua Monday morning. The Nicaraguan army captured the duo on the Río San Juan as they tried to flee from a checkpoint there. The pair are William Adolfo Cortez and Jean Seana Cortez. They appear to have spent time in Grecia, Nuevo Arenal, Turrialba, and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí before spending a night on the run in the community of La Trinidad. They had been sought since Saturday by Costa Rican law enforcement officers because a prosecutor in Boca de Toro asked the International Police Agency to list them as wanted. Both are large individuals, and Spanish-language newspapers have been publishing their photos. The story broke Friday when the prosecutor's office in Boca de Toro confirmed that two bodies had been found on property occupied by the pair. By that time they had crossed over into Costa Rica. They are in custody now in Nicaragua and were being taken to the capital of Nicaragua after their arrest. That happened in a place known as Tambor. The river is Nicaraguan territory, and Costa Rica's jurisdiction ended at the river bank.  However, judicial agents confiscated their vehicle on the Costa Rican side. They are suspects in the death of Cheryl Lynn Hugues, who ran a backpacker hostel that Cortez later operated. Ms. Hugues, who vanished in March, was found in a grave on property Cortez operated. Investigators found another body at the same time. They believe it is of Bo Icelar, who vanished in December after Cortez was said to have purchased his tourism business. Agents also want to question the Cortez couple about three Dutch citizens, a husband and wife and a son, who have been missing in the Boca de Toro area for three years. The Cortez couple is believed to have said they purchased property from the husband and wife. Neftali Jaen, a judicial official, said Saturday that two local workers who were employees of the couple have vanished. There may be more missing workers. Both Cortez and his wife are believed to be U.S. citizens, but they seem to have been traveling on Dutch passports. Cortez has connections in Aruba. The arrest was dramatic. The pair rented a boat and asked the owner to take them to Barra del Colorado on the Río Colorado, which really is the southern mouth of the Río San Juan in northeast Costa Rica. As they approached a checkpoint on the river, the boat operator either declined to evade it or was not doing a good job, so Cortez is said to have thrown him into the river and took charge of the craft himself. An army craft with soldiers armed with machine guns eventually stopped their flight. Cortez, handcuffed to his wife went on another craft with Nicaraguan police officers under army guard. The river is the main transportation route in that part of the country. Judicial agents are checking in detail the history of the couple's stay in Costa Rica, particularly since they are suspected of multiple murders. The allegations from Boca de Toro are that the pair would enter into negotiations for property and then take possession by killing the rightful owners. In several cases, Cortez is said to have told neighbors that the previous owner simply left abruptly after the sale. The Dutch couple and son, who have the last name of Brown, were in the fruit production business. Panama, like Costa Rica and Nicaragua, does not have a death penalty in its penal code. n.The army said the two foreigners were arrested after they ignored warnings from soldiers posted at the border to stop. The two were traveling by boat on the San Juan River, which separates Nicaragua and Costa Rica.Authorities are investigating whether the couple fled north through Costa Rica from Panama.Panama assistant prosecutor Angel Calderon said the two "have similar characteristics" to William Adolfo Cortez of Texas and his wife, Jane, who are being sought in connection with the death of American Cheryl Lynn Hughes.Acquaintances said Hughes was from St. Louis, but the U.S. embassy in Panama refused to confirm that.Last week, Panamanian police found the body of Hughes, who had been missing since March, and the skeletal remains of another person. Both were buried in the back patio of a hotel owned by Cortez in western Bocas del Toro province.    Wanted Reward For Information Costa Rica  Costa Rica Murders Investigators wonder why Cañas woman got to Heredia By the A.M. Costa Rica staff A young woman in Cañas, Guanacaste, left her home July 7 to attend night classes and to study with friends. Seemingly without reason her body turned up six days later in a field in Barrio El Socorro in Santa Domingo de Heredia. The woman with the last name of Obando was 19 when she was murdered. She was a student at the local branch of the Universidad Latina. She had been tied up and strangled. The investigation was confounded for several days while agents tried to learn the identity of the corpse. DNA tests showed Friday that the victim was the Cañas girl. Still to be determined is how a Cañas college student ended up being a murder victim who was dumped so far from home .Panama Killers Sought in Costa RicaCouple sought here in Panamá property theft killings A.M. Costa RicaJudicial police have been working overtime this weekend as they seek a man and a woman suspected of multiple murders in Panamá not far from the Costa Rican border. Agents got a tip Saturday that the pair, William Adolfo Cortez and Jean Seana Cortez, had rented living quarters near Turrialba. The story has been big news in Panamá where as many as two deaths and five missing persons cases may be under investigation. Local newspaper and television stations picked up the story, and the owner of the living quarters contacted police. The couple is believed to have fled when their names made the Saturday newspapers. Both are believed to be U.S. citizens although they could be traveling under different passports with different names..They are suspects in the death of Cheryl Lynn Hugues, who ran a backpacker hostel that Cortez later operated. Ms. Hugues, who vanished in March, was found in a grave on property Cortez operated. Investigators found another body at the same time. They believe it is of Bo Icelar, who vanished in December after Cortez was said to have purchased his tourism business. Agents also want to question the Cortez couple about three Dutch citizens, a husband and wife and a son, who have been missing in the Boca del Toro area for three years. The Cortez couple is believed to have said they purchased property from the husband and wife. Neftali Jaen, a judicial official, said Saturday that two local workers who were employees of the couple have vanished. The Cortez couple are believed to have crossed into Costa Rica two weeks ago.   This cunt should have been killed 50 years ago. Panama Jack  No sign of Fidel Castro at Revolution Day eventAssocated PressSANTA CLARA, Cuba – A public celebration to mark Revolution Day has begun in this central Cuban city with no sign of Fidel Castro.The 83-year-old ex-president had a made a string of appearances at small public events in recent weeks, fueling speculation he could turn up for Monday's event in Santa Clara.Instead, Raul Castro — who succeeded his older brother as president, first temporarily, then permanently — presided over the event.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.SANTA CLARA, Cuba (AP) — A spate of appearances by Fidel Castro after four years of near-total seclusion has Cubans buzzing: Could the official Revolution Day ceremony Monday be Fidel's coming out party?It would be easy for younger brother Raul to make headlines in a major Revolution Day speech in this central Cuban city. All he has to do is bring up the 52 political prisoners he has agreed to release, or discuss plans to open the island's communist economy.But nothing Cuba's 79-year-old president says will mean as much as whether Fidel is standing by his side."If Fidel is there it will cause a huge stir. It will be very important," said Wayne Smith, a former top American diplomat in Havana and senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for International Policy.He said the elder Castro brother's presence would make clear to many in Washington that the 83-year old revolutionary still has a strong hand in affairs of state. That, Smith says, would not be viewed positively by those waiting for Cuba to allow more economic, political and social changes."The thought has been that they are moving toward reforms under Raul, but that they might be moving more energetically if not for the fact that Fidel Castro is still sitting on the porch and Raul is afraid he might not be enthusiastic," Smith said. "If Fidel does come back, that could suggest they aren't going to move as fast as they should with these changes."Fidel Castro ruled Cuba for nearly a half century until he was forced to step down in 2006 and undergo emergency intestinal surgery, turning power over — first temporarily, then permanently — to his brother.Since then, he has lived in near total seclusion. Until this month, that is.The former president has seemingly been everywhere, most recently making an emotional visit Saturday to a town outside Havana to honor fallen revolutionary fighters. There he read a statement that was right out of his much-weathered revolutionary playbook, turning Cuba's tortured half-century conflict with the United States into a positive."The simple fact of maintaining this fight for such a long time provides proof of what a small country can achieve against a gigantic, imperial power," Castro said after laying a wreath at a mausoleum for his comrades. In other appearances Castro has visited economists, scientists, diplomats and even dolphins at the national aquarium, his every move captured on national television and in state-run newspapers.State media have even taken to calling him "commander in chief" again, a title he has largely shunned since stepping down.Fidel Castro has used the publicity spree to warn that the world stands on the precipice of a nuclear war — pitting the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other.So far he has stayed clear of commenting on current events in Cuba, perhaps in an effort to avoid the appearance of interfering with his brother's work running the country. But merely attending Revolution Day celebrations would be an overtly political act.While Raul Castro has remained loyal to his brother's communist ideals, he has overseen the handover of tens of thousands of acres of government land to individual farmers, allowed some small-level entrepreneurship in a country where the state controls well over 90 percent of the economy, and has spearheaded an anti-corruption drive in which several senior officials were fired. He has also tried to scale back unsustainable subsidies in a system where most people earn low government wages but receive free health care and education, near-free housing and transportation and deeply discounted basic food. The reforms — while halting — have allowed Raul to emerge from the shadow of his more famous brother, though opinion is divided on how much influence Fidel wields behind the scenes. The government has said nothing about whether Fidel will be on hand for Monday's celebration, which commemorates the date in 1953 when the Castros led an attack on the Moncada army barracks in the eastern city of Santiago and a smaller military outpost in the nearby city of Bayamo. The operation failed spectacularly, but Cubans consider it the beginning of the revolution that culminated with dictator Fulgencio Batista's ouster on New Year's Day 1959. Cuba celebrates Revolution Day in a different part of the island each year. This year it is Santa Clara's turn, and the city offers an intriguing backdrop. The speeches will be held at a towering outdoor memorial housing the remains of Argentine revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Santa Clara is also home to Guillermo Farinas, a dissident who recently ended a 134-day hunger strike after the government agreed to release the last remaining opposition leaders jailed since 2003. At least 15 have been let go and sent to Spain so far, with the rest expected to follow in coming months. Security around the site was stepped up Sunday night, with police closing roads and directing traffic out of the area. Police also stood guard on every highway overpass leading into the city. While many think Fidel Castro's appearance Saturday means it was less likely he would also show up in Santa Clara, there were some signs he might attend. When Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced he would attend the festivities, he wrote that he wanted to share the day "with Raul, with Fidel and with the Cuban people." Chavez canceled the visit shortly before he was scheduled to leave Sunday, citing rising tension between his country and neighboring Colombia.     Chavez plans to declare war and halt the elections by declaring marshal law. Where are the car bombs when you need one. Panama Jack Bolivarian shadow of crisis NacionFollowing the tactics of Chávez , Correa used clothing to undermine democratic checks and balances mechanism institutionalChavez is looking for an excuse to cancel the elections and thereby preserve the checks has QueyEcuadorian President Rafael Correa, is immersed in a harsh confrontation with Congress on a number of projects promoted by the authoritarian executive. If achieved, these laws would be empowered to control Correa priority aspects of national life , such as water use , higher education , and oil concessions to the public system . The controversial expansion of powers sought by Correa 's opposition raises a variety legislation that brings together national sectors whose support has been crucial to the emergence and political survival of the President , including the indigenous movement. Moreover, the intensification of the conflict with Congress means dissent ruling parliamentary bloc . In this regard it is noted that Correa 's party (Alianza PAIS) has only 54 of the 124 seats in the full Legislature . Lacking a majority to win approval of legislation, the President has to resort to partnerships with groups who now oppose his agenda. This background highlights a critical flaw for president Correa embracing that , following the manual 's populist Hugo Chávez and his supporters of Bolivia and Nicaragua , it aspires to be set up in Ecuador. This manual, a strategy of political scam designed by Chavez and neatly articulated by gurus foreign Venezuelan President uses clothing to undermine democratic checks and balances mechanism to institutional replace an autocracy whose paradigm is Cuba . The conversion process to the Bolivarian dictatorship will necessarily change the constitution to suit the budding autocrat , especially to ensure their stay in the presidency without being subject to time limits or boundaries. Similarly, need to install in the judicial hierarchy loose a majority of judges who obey his orders. Added to this construction the comptroller organization of elections and referendums , whose leadership should also depend on the strong man. However, the picture would not be complete without a docile congress and subjected to an automatic majority run by the emerging dictator, with a numerical advantage sufficient to overcome any qualified vote . This key step Chavez have materialized somehow also Evo Morales and Daniel Ortega.Morales has an automatic majority thanks to the indigenous sector and to date is firm in his position. For his part , Ortega has been a gross and obvious breach of the Constitution and laws, as has happened to assume the appointment of magistrates and judges by decree . However, Ortega seems immune to the passage of the Supreme Court, for obvious reasons, or parliament through its alliance with former President Arnoldo German. For his part , Correa , despite having a high percentage -65% - of popular approval , it has made progress in its current agenda of concentration of authority precisely because of the obstacles in Congress. This shift is worrisome for the Chávez bloc leaders . The Venezuelan president has even invoked the events that plunged Honduras Manuel Zelaya and in particular the central role of Congress in this chain of events. He hates that something similar happens in Quito and, moreover , in Caracas. Hence the accusation that his opponents lurking reissue the presidential impeachment in case of Honduras to succeed in the legislative elections scheduled for next September 26 . Such statements , coupled with many other over imaginary invasions and plots to assassinate him qualified observers suggest that Chavez, with a better organized and united opposition , is looking for an excuse to cancel the elections and thereby preserve the checks and has . No doubt , competition for a legislative majority presents serious challenges to Chavez , who do not obtain satisfactory results , it could even lose the right to use enabling laws with which he could rule by decree. Either way , there are hints of crisis on the horizon Bolivar.    New Photo's of Killer Wild Bill who killed in Panama and is now hiding in Costa Rica. Click Here Don Winner More Photos of William "Wild Bill" Adolfo Cortez Reese Authorities in Bocas del Toro have reportedly discovered another, third body on the property of William "Wild Bill" Cortez in the area of Isla Cauchero in the province of Bocas del Toro this afternoon. There is now an international manhunt underway. If you've seen this person anywhere - inform your local law enforcement authorities immediately. Both William Cortez and his wife Jane should be considered armed and very dangerous. Do not approach these people under any circumstances. And, this story is going to hit the local Panamanian media starting tonight and in the papers tomorrow morning. I've also been fielding calls from reporters, particularly from the St. Louis area, Cher's hometown.   Hugo Chavez is now warring full body armor everywhere he go’s. Story by Panama Jack It look like Hugo Chavez is about to declare war on Colombia, in his drug crazed mind he is seeing everyone around him closing in on him wanting to take his oil away. In the movie Godfather Marlin Brando’s family took out the heads of all the other mafia families in one quick sweep. Sounds like something Obama should be thinking about. One quick hit. Venezuela, Cuba, North Korea, Iran. It is called a change in leadership and then you say who is next and no one will be raising their hand and there is nothing left but world peace.   Venezuela's Chavez warns Colombia amid tensionsBy FABIOLA SANCHEZ, Associated Press CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned Colombia against provoking a conflict, saying any attack on his country would trigger a reaction.Chavez insisted he wants peace during a speech Friday night but raised the possibility of a conflict, saying his top generals were constantly evaluating the situation along the Colombian border and that he was in contact with commanders at border posts to make sure they don't "fall for provocations.""Imagine a war between Colombia and Venezuela. That would be something to cry over for a hundred years," Chavez said. "But you understand that if we are attacked, we aren't going to stay with our arms crossed."Chavez announced he was breaking off diplomatic relations with the neighboring country on Thursday and placed his military on alert, accusing Colombia's U.S.-allied government of fabricating evidence showing Colombian rebel bases inside Venezuela.Despite the tensions, cars and pedestrians moved between the countries as usual at border crossings Friday, officials on both sides said. Venezuelan Vice President Elias Jaua called the situation on the border normal.The diplomatic dispute over the presence of Colombian rebels in Venezuela has worsened just as Colombian President Alvaro Uribe prepares to leave office.Uribe has frequently feuded with Venezuela's socialist leader, and Colombian officials have long complained, mostly in private, that Chavez has harbored leaders of its two main rebel groups.President-elect Juan Manuel Santos, however, has stressed the importance of mending trade relations with Venezuela, which overwhelmingly benefit Colombia's food producers. And Chavez has raised the possibility that relations could be restored under Santos.Trade between Venezuela and Colombia has fallen 70 percent since Chavez froze relations a year ago in response to Colombia's decision to grant the U.S. military expanded access to its military bases. The scaled-back relations have also hurt Venezuelan consumers, as sporadic shortages of items like beef — once imported from Colombia — have worsened.At a meeting of the Organization of American States in Washington on Thursday, Colombian Ambassador Luis Alfonso Hoyos presented photos, videos, witness testimony and maps of what he said were rebel camps inside Venezuela and challenged Venezuelan officials to let independent observers visit them.Chavez has suggested the photographs presented by Colombia could be bogus. He also has suggested Uribe and the U.S. "empire" could be attempting to provoke a war, and insisted Venezuela does everything possible to prevent members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the smaller National Liberation Army from crossing into Venezuelan territory."We have never supported movements in Colombia in any way, even though we could have. And I'm not referring to the guerrillas," Chavez said Friday night.He said he thinks the rebels "should reconsider their armed strategy" because they seem to have no chance of toppling the government and also because "they've become the main excuse for the empire to deeply penetrate Colombia."Chavez has argued in the past that U.S. officials are using Colombia to portray him as a supporter of terrorist groups to justify U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. He warned that any aggression against Venezuela could "become a boomerang against the Yankee empire."U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope that Venezuela and Colombia will work out their differences in a peaceful manner.In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley called the dispute unfortunate and said it was a "petulant response by Venezuela to cut off relations with Colombia.""Venezuela has clear responsibilities. Colombia has put forward serious charges. They deserve to be investigated," Crowley told reporters.The European Union, in a statement issued by its ambassadors in Colombia and Venezuela, called for relations to be re-established soon and urged the countries to "abstain from any action that could exacerbate tensions." Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez complained that Venezuela had cut relations without clearly responding to the Colombian government's accusations. He said what's needed is "effective cooperation in the fight against terrorism."      Panamanian police identify body of US woman Assocaied Press PANAMA CITY – Panamanian authorities say they have identified the body of a U.S. woman who had been missing since March and are looking for a Texas man suspected in her death. Prosecutors' advisor Neftali Jaen says police on Friday identified the remains of Cheryl Lynn Hugues, who went missing in western Bocas del Toro province. He didn't have a hometown for Hughes. Police on Tuesday found her body and the skeletal remains of another person buried in the back patio of a hotel owned by William Adolfo Cortez, of Texas. Jaen said police are investigating whether the remains are those of a U.S. man missing since December 2009. He said Cortez has a tourism company that belonged to the missing man registered in his name.   Simon Bolivar an obsession for Venezuela's Chavez  By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER, Associated Press By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER, Associated Press  CARACAS, Venezuela – For Hugo Chavez, Simon Bolivar is more than a founding father to be feted once a year on his birthday. He's the icon of an entire political movement. He's a muse whose words inspire nearly two centuries after his death.For Chavez, Bolivar is an obsession.The president's admiration for "El Libertador," who has been his guiding light since Chavez was a rank-and-file soldier, goes far beyond the conventional reverence most Venezuelans hold for the independence leader who is being honored Saturday on the 227th anniversary of his birth.The socialist Chavez views himself as the modern emissary and disciple of Bolivar, and sees parallels between his hero's efforts to free South America from Spanish rule and his own crusade to challenge U.S. influence in the region.Critics say he is trying to cast himself as Bolivar's reincarnation — an allegation Chavez vehemently denies.Chavez's fascination with Bolivar has been on display like never before this month as he has exhumed Bolivar's bones in hopes of using modern forensics to confirm his identity — and investigate the president's theory his idol was felled by a murder conspiracy.Historians have generally concluded Bolivar died of tuberculosis, and some Venezuelans are saying Chavez has gone too far."It's madness. Bolivar's dead. His remains should remain untouched," said Rosalinda Fuentes, a 53-year-old housewife who doesn't support either Chavez or his political opponents.On walls in Caracas, graffiti has appeared reading: "Let me rest in peace. Bolivar."Chavez is undeterred in using Bolivar as his political stamp and a nationalist symbol to rally his supporters.A portrait of the 19th century independence leader often serves as a backdrop during televised speeches in which Chavez reads Bolivar's writings and expounds on his aims.His political movement — the Bolivarian Revolution — takes its name from his idol. Shortly after taking office in 1999, Chavez pressured a popularly elected assembly packed with his allies to change the country's name to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.Chavez has vowed to build a monument to Bolivar atop the mountains that fringe Caracas.At public events, he sometimes brandishes Bolivar's sword — a solid-gold saber encrusted with more than 1,000 diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. He has given gold-plated replicas of the sword to foreign allies, including former Cuban President Fidel Castro and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.Chavez's opponents contend the president manipulates the history of Bolivar to serve his own political purposes.And some accuse Chavez of launching the investigation into Bolivar's death in hopes of affecting legislative elections in September. They say he wants to distract public attention from problems such as crime, 31 percent inflation and a scandal involving thousands of tons of food left rotting in government storage.Opposition newspaper editor Teodoro Petkoff says Chavez tries to portray himself as a modern-day Bolivar, attempting to win over supporters by tapping into nationalist sentiment."The Chavista revival of the cult has created its own replica of the Holy Trinity: Bolivar, Chavez and the people," Petkoff wrote in a stinging editorial in his daily, Tal Cual. Vice President Elias Jaua called the criticism from government opponents "pitiful" during a news conference, saying only "sick minds are capable of judging a very serious investigation and minimizing the importance of the investigation."   Costa Rica Bachelor PartiesPanama Bachelor Parties.Story by Panama JackWhat better place in the world to through a bachelor party than in Central America (Costa Rica. Panama)2 stable countries in Latin America where the best bachelor parties can be thrown. The reason is that the cost for a first class bachelor party including airfare and hotel is very cheap. You can rent a small Private hotel in Costa Rica or Panama for very little money; you have the run of the house. You bring in strippers to the hotel and the next thing everyone has a great time, no one is driving drunk and when the strip show is over the strippers stay with you and spend the night. Yes in these Central American countries prostitution is legal that means a stripper can also be a prostitute. If you would like further information on how and where you can have a bachelor party in Panama or Costa Rica you can contact Panama Jack at e-mail jack@republicofpanama.net   Costa Rica Bachalar PartiesPanama bachalar Parties. Story by Panama JackWhat better place in the world to through a bachalar party than in Central America ( Costa Rica. Panama)2 stable countries in latin America where the best bachalar parties can be throun. The reason is that the cost for a first class bachalar party including airfair and hotel is very cheap. You can rent a small Privite  hotel in Costa Rica or Panama for very little money, you have the run of the house. You bring in stippers to the hotel and the next thing everyone has a great time, no one is driving drunk and when the strip show is over the strippers stay with you and spend the night. Yes in these Central American countries prostitution is legal that means a stripper can also be a prostitute. If you would like futher information on how and where you can have a bachalar party in Panama or Costa Rica you can contact Panama Jack at e-mail jack@republicofpanama.net Argentina's gay marriage law signed by president Argentina's gay marriage law signed by presidentBy DEBORA REY, Associated Press BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – President Cristina Fernandez signed a new law Wednesday making Argentina the first country in Latin America to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.Civil registries across the nation will now begin processing long lists of marriage applications from gay couples. The first such ceremony in Buenos Aires is set for Aug. 13."Today we are a society that is a little more egalitarian than last week," Fernandez said at the signing ceremony.Representatives of groups for gays and lesbians cheered, crying out "Equality, equality!"The law, which was approved by the Senate last week following earlier endorsement by the lower house, grants same-sex couples the full legal protections and responsibilities that marriage gives to heterosexual couples, including the ability to inherit property and to jointly adopt children.Mexico's capital was the first city in the region to legalize gay marriages."We must all get used to living in a free country, in harmony," said designer Roberto Piazza, who attended the signing.He said he planned to take advantage of the law and marry his partner soon.The bill was pushed by Fernandez's left-of-center administration, worsening its already strained relations with the Roman Catholic Church.     It's Nicaragua, Iran and Chávez keeping U.S. eyes on area Dear A.M. Costa Rica: As an expat pensionado living here full time I would like to clear up some large misconceptions of why the U.S. wants a military presence here. First of all, the notion that the U.S. wants to control or make Costa Rica a territory, ludicrous, at best. The U.S. has had a defense treaty with Costa Rica for years, which should be welcome with the fact that Nicaragua is now nothing short of a total dictatorship and is allied, with Venezuela, which is now mining uranium for Iran for the purpose of expanding their nuclear weapons program and who is sending secret flights of personnel to Caracas on a monthly basis. Other than fair trade the U.S. has no other intention other than to stop the flow of drugs and keep a necessary eye out for the security of the region for which no one else can or is capable of doing. The ships that come here will offer aid and medical treatment for people here as well. To those who say "Yankee Go Home" I can only say "Who Ya Gonna call" when your country's security is threatened by a military power in the area??? We should be glad the U.S. is nearby and willing to be a good, helpful neighbor. Is the United States sending warships to dethrown the dictators of Central and South America? Is the United States sending warships to dethrown the dictators of Central and South America? Is the United States sending warships to dethrown the dictators of Central and South America? Is the United States sending warships to dethrown the dictators of Central and South America? Story By Panama Jack Costa Rica and Panama.The United States of America has 47 warships on route to Central America, some think that the United States is going to put an end for once and for all to the Sandinista Dictator Daniel Ortega and while they are at it knock off  the oil stealing drug running dictator cokehead Hugo Chavez who has seized several American oil fields and several hotel chains in Venezuela. Some think Hugo Chavez have been working with groups and supplying them with guns to over though several countries in Central and South America. President Ricardo Martinelli  of  Panama says the United States has talking it eye off  the ball Meaning (Central and South America ) but  47  Men of War sailing south does not look like a there is going to be a walk in the park. I wonder why they just can not keep it simple and shoot a missile right into those dictators bathrooms while they are taking a dump, like Ronald Reagan did  with Kaddafi, or should I call him Cuntdadfi. They are saying the 7 thousand United States Marines and that means about 30 thousand support personal. That sounds like 37 thousand men coming to Central and South America.Controversial Visit is a Medical, Humanitarian one? By the A.M. Costa Rica staff One of the U.S. Navy vessels to take advantage of Costa Rica's approval of its visit is the USS Iwo Jima. A spokesman for the U.S. Southern Command said that the Iwo Jima, a 257-meter (843-foot) amphibious assault ship that has been refitted with special medical equipment, plans a stop in Costa Rica. The boat, its crew and non-profit organization staffers will spend from 10 days to two weeks providing humanitarian assistance to residents of the southern Caribbean coast, the Southern Command spokesman said. The dates still are uncertain. "The primary focus of the medical teams is to provide a range of health care services ashore.  On a case-by-case basis, select patients will receive medical or dental care on the ship," said a Southern Command release, adding: "The medical contingent aboard USS Iwo Jima is trained to provide general and specialty surgical care, primary and consultative care for children and adults, obstetrical and gynecological consultative care, ophthalmologic services, optometric services, preventative medicine treatment, dental screenings and treatment, optometry screenings, eyewear distribution, public health training, infrastructure support and veterinary services." This is the fifth such visit by similar ships. The Iwo Jima was included in a list of 46 ships that the Assemble Legislative permitted to visit Costa Rica. Such approval is required by the Costa Rican Constitution. Also cited was a 10-year-old anti-drug agreement between Costa Rica and the United States, although the mission of the Iwo Jima does not involve drug interdiction. Although 46 boats and 7,000 crew members were mentioned in the assembly resolution, most of them will not visit Costa Rica. For example, the famous USNS Comfort, a hospital ship, is on the list but not scheduled to stop here during the next six months, said the Southern Command spokesman. Primary opponents in the legislature were Luis Fishman Zonsinski of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana and Jose Maria Villalta Florez-Estrada of Frente Amplio, a party that has ties to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. More recently the Sindicato de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores de la Educación Costarricense published a half-page text ad in El Diario Extra in which it said its Congreso Ideológico opposed the resolution and asked the government to withdraw the permission. President Laura Chinchilla noted that similar permissions have been granted every six months for years. A Prensa Latina news story prompted the most concern because it gave the impression that 46 ships and 7,000 service members were going to come to Costa Rica at the same time. The Cuban news service seems to be in step with Communist Party President Fidel Castro, who is promoting the idea that the United States is about to start a nuclear war. Some 1,600 persons will be on the Iwo Jima, the Southern Command spokesman said. The Iwo Jima left Norfolk, Virginia, July 12 to begin its four-month goodwill mission, called Continuing Promise 2010.  In addition to Costa Rica, the ship will visit Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panamá and Suriname. "The mission aims to foster goodwill and demonstrate U.S. commitment and support to Latin America and the Caribbean," said the Southern Command. The Continuing Promise medical contingent will partner with local health care providers and community officials to provide free medical care to communities with limited access to medical treatment, it said. The medical/dental/veterinary crew includes medical professionals from the U.S. military and U.S. Public Health Service, non-governmental organizations and other international partners, all with approval from various ministries of the host nations, said the Southern Command. A team of Navy Seabees will conduct building repairs and improvements, small construction projects, utility system repairs and other engineering assistance projects for local communities during the mission.. About 500 Marines from Cherry Point, North Carolina, are supporting the deployment.  The Marines’ mission is to provide air, ground and logistics support to humanitarian civic assistance activities, the Southern Commands said.  They will also be ready to provide relief to any natural/man-made disaster that may occur in the region, it added. The ship is carrying four Blackhawk helicopters. The Iwo Jima now is in Miami and scheduled to leave Wednesday for Haiti, the first country on its list of stops. The crew of the Iwo Jima will be joined during the mission by medical, dental and engineering professionals from Canada, Chile, Germany, the Netherlands and Paraguay, the Southern Command said. Supplies have been donated by some 30 non-profit organizations. Large amphibious ships, like Iwo Jima, resemble small aircraft carriers and include the ability to rapidly move personnel and cargo by helicopter and landing craft, making it an ideal platform to support humanitarian relief missions on short notice, the Southern Command explained. This is the fifth such deployment to the region since 2007. Prior deployments were supported by crews aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort and the amphibious ships USS Boxer and USS Kearsarge, the Southern Command said. Continuing Promise crews have treated more than 265,000 patients during previous missions, it added. U.S. service personnel have visited southeastern Costa Rica several times. They provided needed medical treatment for the largely native population there.    American Citizen "Bo" Olsen Shot and Killed on Sailboat in PanamaContributed by: Don Winner   Bond Olsen, 61, of Denmark, died early Tuesday when five gunmen attacked his sailboat the "Antares." Also on the boat at the time of the attack were his son, 24 year old American citizen Zacarías Keiser Olsen and his 27 year old wife Sujey Rodríguez, a Panamanian woman from Chiriqui. The criminals shot Olsen in his right leg and he bled to death. The bullet hit an artery. The sailboat has been anchored for six months in front of the Bajo Pipón island in the Gulf of Chiriqui. (La Critica) Editor's Comment: From what I understand "Bo" Olsen is a dual US/Danish citizen. His 24 year old son was born in the United States, and he was also shot in the side. They managed to get to land and he was operated on yesterday. Zack's wife was beaten in the face by the attackers. I've received some phone calls and emails from some members of the boating community in this area detailing some of the rumors and innuendo possibly surrounding this attack - but since there's nothing substantial I won't repeat any of that stuff - at this point is all just speculation and gossip. The Panamanian authorities continue to investigate the attack.    erpol looks for 35 Panamanians Among domestic demand internationally including three women linked to fraud, drug and sex crimes. Rafael Luna Noguera story La PrensaFor the month of August 2007, the list contained 29 names. Today , total 35 Panamanians included among the wanted fugitives in the world by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol , for its acronym in English ) , according to official records of his own website.These 32 men and three women, the latter prosecuted for fraud, drug offenses and sex crimes. Four of Panamanian citizens share their nationality with the Brazilian, U.S. and Bolivia. 21 come from the province of Panama, Chiriqui six , three of Columbus and an equal number of Bocas del Toro , one is from La Villa de Los Santos and another of Herrera. All share list with the most wanted man on the planet: Osama bin Laden , leader of the al Qaeda terrorist network .In their cases , 29 arrest warrants were fought by the judicial authorities of Panama , three out of U.S. courts , one is from Guatemala , one from Costa Rica and Argentina over .Among the crimes for which they are looking for highlights of the homicide in 18 cases . Also include crimes related to international drug trafficking , smuggling , trafficking and illegal immigration , crimes committed with weapons and explosives, crimes against children , robbery, money laundering , kidnapping , organized crime and sexual offenses.Although the number of Panamanians wanted by Interpol increased by seven during the past three years , is still below the record of its two nearest neighbors. In fact , the number of Costa Ricans sought by international police amounts to 44 and the Colombians in the same situation up , including up to 160 .The most notedPerhaps the " fugitive " highest profile in the list of former Panamanian dictator remains Manuel Antonio Noriega, whose arrest warrant or " Red Notice " arrest began circulating in January 2007.The reference capture, for extradition was made by the Second Superior Court of Justice regarding the case of the slaughter of Albrook , where Noriega was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted in 1996.For the time it was included in the list of those wanted by Interpol , Noriega was a prisoner in Miami and expected to be released on September 9 of that year. Today, three years later, the former dictator was sentenced to seven years in prison in France, and the purge in La Santé prison in Paris , where he held since being extradited from the United States last April 27. renowned murderersAlso on the list of fugitives from Interpol who was one of Noriega's henchmen , Evidelio Quiel , sentenced to 20 years in prison for the aforementioned case of the slaughter of Albrook.Quiel was arrested in San José , Costa Rica on October 21, 2005 , but months later he was released , as authorities in the neighboring country to Panama denied the extradition , arguing that the trial and conviction of former military occurred in absentia.Apart from the high-profile figures for the crimes of the dictatorship , the Interpol list includes " notorious "criminals , as Frank Luzer Pardo , aka the knacker of Azuero , declared an international fugitive after escaping from La Joyita in August 2006.This man , who today is 47 years old , and his brother Sandy , 44 and still in prison, were sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2000 for the murder of Oristela Batista, December 8, 1995 , who was stabbed at least 32 times in a satanic ritual course . The fact that shocked the public opinion occurred in El Ejido de Los Santos.Luzer is arrested in Mexico since late last year , reported as a murderer in the pay of a drug cartel . Panama preparing an extradition request to refer to their Mexican counterparts .Another of the " notorious " Panamanians wanted in the world is Carlos Meneses Lambiz , the only mass murderer in the country , officials said , and the number one most wanted list in Panama for at least five years.A Meneses Lambiz are attributed to fraud, theft and rape, but mostly for the crimes he is accused of three women : Rafaela Abrego , whose body was found in May 2002 in a park in Miraflores sector in Bethania , Maria Luisa Caballero, missing since May 14, 2003 , and Leticia González was murdered in June 2004.Other NamesBut perhaps the most dangerous villain on the list is Victor Antonio McCrae , 44 , born in Panama and also a U.S. citizen.This man, 1.76 meters tall and 72 kilos in weight, brown eyes and black hair, is wanted by the authorities of the Eastern District of North Carolina and Prince Georges County in Maryland, USA, for crimes against children , homicide , crimes involving the use of firearms and explosives, sexual crimes and theft.Finally, 10 positions higher on the list is Jose Pirtea , 32, sought for homicide. In 2008, Pirtea ranked fifth in the list of " most wanted " in Panama, because of its alleged links to drug lie down . He said as a suspect in the murder of Alkis Arana, committed in 2008 in Hato Pintado.Pirtea , of course lieutenant David Viteri (now fugitive ) was arrested last May 11 when he tried to rob a bank branch in the capital were analyzed using a police uniform . His name, however, remains on the list.The youngest on the list is Emilio Santos Amador , 21 , wanted for crimes against life and health . The higher Noriega , 76 years.Are lacking , but it does the jobSince the demise of the Judicial Technical Police and consequent establishment of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ ) , a process that took place between December 2007 and March 2008 , the local branch of Interpol became a dependency of the new entity and the director of this came to be in charge of international police in Panama. Thus DIJ chief , Javier Carrillo, is also the head of Interpol, an organization that, according to Carrillo himself admitted , works with shortcomings similar to those that have other units of the National Police. "But the job is done , "he said . "Missing personnel and resources. " He explained that the search for suspects in Panama is constantly active . "If you have any requested information that is in the country , immediately activates the quest to win his arrest or exclude the information, " he said. The start of operations of the International Criminal Police Organization dates back to 1923, although the idea of creation came nine years earlier, in 1914, after a series of meetings between officers of European countries. Since 1989, its headquarters are in Lyon , France with offices in 184 countries. Its status as of 1956 , prohibits engaging in political, religious or racial .Until 1970 it was usual to find common criminals among the most searched , but later these were replaced by antisocial organized crime figures , drug traffickers and murderers in series. After the attacks of September 11, 2001 , most of which top the list are Middle Eastern terrorists .    Panama & Costa Rica may be next Argentina legalizes gay marriage in historic voteAssociated Press Writer Michael WarrenBUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, becoming the first country in Latin America to grant gays and lesbians all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.After a marathon debate, 33 lawmakers voted in favor, 27 were against it and 3 abstained in Argentina's Senate in a vote that ended after 4 a.m. Since the lower house already approved it, and President Cristina Fernandez is a strong supporter, it now becomes law as soon as it is published in the official bulletin.The law is sure to bring a wave of marriages by gays and lesbians who have increasingly found Buenos Aires to be more accepting than many other places in the region.The approval came despite a concerted campaign by the Roman Catholic Church and evangelical groups, which drew 60,000 people to march on Congress and urged parents in churches and schools to work against passage.Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio said "everyone loses" with gay marriage, and "children need to have the right to be raised and educated by a father and a mother."Nine gay couples had already married in Argentina after persuading judges that the constitutional mandate of equality supports their marriage rights, but some of these marriages were later declared invalid.As the debate stretched on for nearly 16 hours, supporters and opponents of held rival vigils through the frigid night outside the Congress building in Buenos Aires."Marriage between a man and a woman has existed for centuries, and is essential for the perpetuation of the species," insisted Sen. Juan Perez Alsina, who is usually a loyal supporter of the president but gave a passionate speech against gay marriage.But Sen. Norma Morandini, another member of the president's party, compared the discrimination closeted gays face to the oppression imposed by Argentina's dictators decades ago."What defines us is our humanity, and what runs against humanity is intolerance," she said.Same-sex civil unions have been legalized in Uruguay, Buenos Aires and some states in Mexico and Brazil. Mexico City has legalized gay marriage. Colombia's Constitutional Court granted same-sex couples inheritance rights and allowed them to add their partners to health insurance plans.But Argentina now becomes the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide, granting gays and lesbians all the same rights and responsibilities that heterosexuals have. These include many more rights than civil unions, including adopting children and inheriting wealth.Gay rights advocates said Argentina's historic step adds momentum to similar efforts around the world."Today's historic vote shows how far Catholic Argentina has come, from dictatorship to true democratic values, and how far the freedom to marry movement has come, as twelve countries on four continents now embrace marriage equality," said Evan Wolfson, who runs the U.S. Freedom to Marry lobby.He urged U.S. lawmakers to stand up "for the Constitution and all families here in the United States. America should lead, not lag, when it comes to treating everyone equally under the law."Among the opponents were teacher Eduardo Morales, who said he believes the legislation was concocted by Buenos Aires residents who are out step with the views of the country."They want to convert this city into the gay capital of the world," said Morales of San Luis province.Ines Franck, director of the group Familias Argentinas, said the legislation cuts against centuries of tradition. Opposing the measure "is not discrimination, because the essence of a family is between two people of opposite sexes," he said. "Any variation goes against the law, and against nature." The president, currently on a state visit to China, spoke out from there against the Argentine Catholic Church's campaign and the tone she said some religious groups have taken. "It's very worrisome to hear words like 'God's war' or 'the devil's project,' things that recall the times of the Inquisition," she said. Some opposition leaders have accused her of promoting the initiative to gain votes in next year's presidential elections, when Fernandez's husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, is expected to run again. The vote came after Sen. Daniel Filmus urged fellow lawmakers to show the world how much Argentina has matured. "Society has grown up. We aren't the same as we were before," he said. ___ Associated Press Staff Writers Almudena Calatrava, Debora Rey and Bridget Huber contributed to this report.   Chavez: Venezuela rethinks relations with Vatican   associated pressCARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez announced Wednesday that Venezuela would rethink its relations with the Vatican as tensions rise between his government and Catholic Church representatives who accuse the socialist leader of becoming increasingly authoritarian.During a televised speech, Chavez instructed his foreign minister to "examine" relations with the Vatican. Without elaborating, he questioned the validity of an agreement giving the Catholic Church privileges that are not extended to other religious organizations in Venezuela.Chavez also challenged the authority of Pope Benedict XVI, saying the pope "isn't God's emissary on Earth."There was no immediately reaction from the papal nuncio in Caracas.Chavez and Venezuela's Catholic Church are clashing like never before.In recent weeks, Chavez has said that Christ would whip church leaders for suggesting that he's steering Venezuela toward a Cuban-style Marxist dictatorship. He also accused Cardinal Jorge Urosa of misleading the Vatican with warnings that Venezuela is drifting toward dictatorship.Urosa has defended his decision to tell the Vatican that Chavez is curbing freedoms.Chavez said Urosa represents the interests of "fascist, extreme right-wing" elites and accused the clergy of siding with opposition parties ahead of September legislative elections.Priests critical of his government "are trying to manipulate the people," Chavez said.The Venezuelan Bishops' Conference issued a statement this week warning that political polarization is creating a hostile environment ahead of the Sept. 26 vote.Venezuela is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic.Chavez claims that Christianity has a big influence on his socialist movement.    Report cites discrimination against Latin women Special to A.M. Costa Rica Women in Latin America and the Caribbean are still discriminated against in the labor market and receive lower wages than men for the same work, according to a new United Nations report which also points to women in the region spending more time on unpaid domestic or care work. “It will not be possible to achieve equality for women in the workplace until the burden of unpaid and care work which they have historically shouldered has been resolved,” sasid Alicia Bárcena, executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean as she presented the report in Brazil. “This calls for the establishment of a new virtuous equation that encompasses the state, the market and the family,” she stated. The report – entitled “What kind of State? What kind of equality?” – reviews achievements made as well as the challenges facing countries in the region. According to a news release issued by the commission, studies of the total workload, including paid and unpaid, of men and women in different countries in the region shows two trends. In all cases, total work time is greater for women than for men, and women devote more of their time to unpaid work than men. Women in Brazil, for example, devote 56.6 hours per week to total work, compared to 52 hours for men. In Mexico, women spend a total of 76.3 hours working, whereas men spend only 58.4 hours. Figures from 2008 show that 31.6 per cent of women over the age of 15 had no income of their own, while only 10.4 per cent of men were in the same position. Also, more women than men were unemployed, at 8.3 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively.  While the wage gap has narrowed – women’s average income rose from 69 per cent of that of men in 1990 to 79 per cent in 2008 – women continue to be overrepresented in lower-income occupations and underrepresented in senior positions. Women still receive lower wages than men for work of equal value. The report emphasizes the need to raise awareness of the economic and social value of the unpaid and care work performed by women in the region. It also stresses the importance of empowering women to exercise their right to choice, so that they can participate under equal conditions in the labor market and in decision-making. Panama The report was presented at the 11th session of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, which began Tuesday in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia. a does not recognize the jurisdiction of the Central American Court   story by la prensa  - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced tonight that the Panamanian government recognizes neither the jurisdiction nor the competence of the Central American Court of Justice ( CCJ). Panama revealed this position after a representative of the CCJ delivered two papers this morning about some claims against the State of Panama for their retirement Parliament (Parlacen ). According to a press release from the Foreign Ministry, the lawsuits were filed by both the Central American Parliament as members of that regional body . He added that they received these documents, but the Panamanian government does not give notice in view that recognizes neither the jurisdiction nor the jurisdiction of the CCJ . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Panama reported that the Agreement on the Statute of the CCJ has not been ratified by all States , including Panama , so that their specific skills can not be binding on the states that have not ratified it . That is, are not mandatory for Panama , Costa Rica and Belize.                       Spain Wins World Cup  Pamnama Parties Big Building's and cars Burned in Panama story La Prensa lootng in panama    After nine days of protests by workers BANANA AND TWO OF DISTURBANCES , THE NUMBER OF WOUNDED It rises to 105Bocas del Toro , beset by violenceOfficial reports realize that yesterday there was looting in several stores of Changuinola and Almirante. Cars and buildings were burnedstory La PrensaAfter completing nine days of the strike carried out by workers of the Union of Banana Industry Act against 30 to "9 in 1 ", and despite the curfew imposed by the government since last Thursday , the violence continued yesterday for almost all the day Almirante and Changuinola , major towns in Bocas del Toro.Official sources confirmed that there was looting, while several cars , two buses and several buildings were burned , and four police officials were held against their will.According to the count of the Social Security Fund (CSS ) to yesterday a worker had died and the number of injured rose to 105, of which 35 had to be moved to the capital.Both in the Changuinola Almirante as businesses closed their doors , accelerating the shortage of basic products and appliances .More than 15 barricades were placed along the main street of Changuinola , and the center of the city was under siege.At the midway were burned the offices of the Authority Consumer Protection and Competition , Ministry of Health and even the Juvenile Police . Also, the branch of Global Bank and partially the clinic Santa Isabel.Several stores , restaurants and gas stations were also affected.Surprisingly, the journalists who came to the scene to report the facts became the target of the protesters , who accused them of not telling the truth.Throughout the day there was no dialogue between workers and government officials who traveled to Changuinola, between the Minister of the Presidency , Demetrio Papadimitriu to solve the conflict.HostilitiesThe riots began yesterday about 8:00 am, after riot officers tried to replicate the National Police to workers in the community of Finca 11, which at that hour of the morning and began throwing stones and sticks against soldiers stationed in the area since last Thursday.Although initially the police were able to move the protesters , they regrouped in the afternoon and regained control of the area, including airport facilities Changuinola. In fact, when it was thought that the Police had controlled the central area of the city , a mob took the police station for Children and Adolescents, in Finca 6, looted , damaged the furniture and torched the place , while tied four officers.The incident occurred at 2:00 p.m. It was not until 4:00 p.m. when other officers arrived and freed their comrades.DepartedThe National Police director , Gustavo Perez , called the protest illegal banana workers and warned that vandalism in several shops in the Changuinola Central was led by criminals who took advantage of the situation. "These hooligans have begun to blur everything. Police have maintained my sanity, so we have maintained an upright position , ensuring the best for the population, " he said. The population , rather, speaks of excesses. Perez said the first objective of the institution to reach the province was to recover the airport and this was accomplished in the morning. " We are once again placing the order, " he said.He acknowledged they have had difficulty controlling the situation because " criminals " cover their faces , and other crops are introduced into the banana and mix with other people.Perez confirmed that already identified the authors of "kidnapping "of the four agents. For its part , the secretary of Control of Banana Unions of Bocas Fruit Company, Orlando Lopez, described as a "disrespect "that government officials asked the Bocatorenos sanity when President Ricardo Martinelli has not even been submitted in the province, which he said has caused the workers to remain on a war footing and that the community will join the protests. Requested the Executive to discuss the content of Law No. 30 within the assembly, otherwise the situation will come out of their hands. " In fact , reported that a large number of people in the communities of Loma Mulet , La Gloria and El Junquito Teribe are coming to the area to support the banana workers.BarriersReach the area of conflict is an almost impossible task , as indigenous and peasant knocked at least 100 trees and crossed at different points of the route that leads from Silico Creek to Almirante and Changuinola .To get to Changuinola must walk 22 kilometers (about 11 hours from Columbus ) or an hour's travel by river boat .But the route does not guarantee that it can pass the primary seal that is on the Changuinola River , if you go by land .Must be negotiated with the leaders and pass a thorough review. "Check pa see if they are police, "he shouted as he reached the area the team at La Prensa.Long distanceAlong the 89 km distance between Almirante and Changuinola Rambala and be seen long lines of trucks filled with food , fuel , cooking gas and perishables.From early yesterday morning in Rambala everyone talks about what happens in Almirante and Changuinola , where he still pumps and pellets rumble . That way to go, but I just can not. A single carrier will have to wait. Commercial activity in that part of the province is paralyzed from the beginning of the fray, and losses are millionaires [see related story ].The shops have closed and has limited passenger trips for fear of being burned buses . " The peasants are afraid. No more chicken and there is no rice , " Loo told Ching , one of the merchants concerned .The phones do not stop playing on Rambala . Some carriers , such as Jose Pitti , were desperate because their shipment was to be at 8:00 am Admiral in order to board the ferry bound for Isla Colon. European and South American tourists were confused. The buses that transported them from Panama were left to their fate and some took risks to hire taxis in the hope to get as close to the port of Almirante."We leave here in this place ( Rambala ), and we do not know where we are , "he repeated , annoyed , Sebastian Piati , who traveled from Argentina to see the beaches of Isla Colon.From David in Chiriqui, traveling about 35 buses a day to Changuinola , but in the past two days everything has been suspended.The trucks that distribute LPG have not been able to advance the state of siege that live in these villages. "It's only 20 minutes to arrive, but it is impossible and everything is closed, " he said Pitti .AirliftFirst thing yesterday morning was completed on the first shipment of wounded from David to the capital.Initially , 12 workers were brought to St. Thomas Hospital by air, most of them with bird shot in the face and , especially, in the eyes.All came to the Hospital Rafael Hernandez David, Chiriqui, from Rambala , Bocas del Toro , where he has installed a sort of reception center injured. According to the regional director of the Ministry of Health, Jose Luis Castillo , were sent to the capital by the lack of technology required to meet eye lesions were registered .Some of those injured were identified as Luis Alfredo Jimenez, Hortensio Villagra , Joel Antonio Gonzalez, Teber Horacio Castillo , Benito Quintero and Luis Alfredo Santos. The National Police Lieutenant Benjamin Vazquez was also treated at the hospital of David with his left shoulder injuries caused by stones .In VeraguasMeanwhile, students of the Juan Demosthenes Arosemena Normal School of Santiago and educators veragüenses made yesterday two street closures in support of the population Bocas , both without any major protests .First came the students, who closed for 30 minutes on sixth street , next to campus, and then did the same teachers , who were stationed in the central avenue for half an hour. Luis Puga , a spokesman for the students, and Yadira Pino , head teachers , said they remain in the streets this weekend .Continued ...And in that same direction, made one of the wounded transferred yesterday from David to the capital, who warned that the protests will continue , while spokesmen for the National Front for the Defense of Social Rights , chapter of Chiriqui, declared their support for the strikers and announced upcoming events."This is for the president , Ricardo Martinelli , learn to respect and know that Indians do not play with us and respect our rights , "said the wounded man , who preferred not to be named .Meanwhile, the Central Labor Council of Provinces of the Trade Union of Construction Workers and Allied gave a press conference in Aguadulce and announced that the labor sector in the region of the country is on alert , while his call spread workers in other sectors , unions and people in general. (With information Sanjur Pedro Rodriguez , Leonardo Flores , Dustin Guerra, Bocharel Flor , Sandra Alicia Rivera , Teofilo A. Gonzalez, Zabdy Barria, Ney Abdiel Castillo)    Roits in Panama Boca Del Toro Story Nacion Panama. ( AFP). The government and the union movement in Panama today began negotiations aimed at normalizing the situation in the west of the country under curfew after clashes between workers and police on Thursday that left one dead and one hundred injured.The protests spread to the capital Friday , where groups of university students and labor unions took to the streets in solidarity with banana workers in the city of Changuinola.According to the Ministry of Security, the situation remained tense in Changuinola , where demonstrators burned a police station and an officer was wounded in the leg , the result of " a bullet fired by a protester armed with a rifle. "The government also asserts that demonstrators " have been burned several shops and vehicles used as barricades in the streets " , so it has been decreed a new curfew.Riots broke out on Thursday in this city of the province of Bocas del Toro , where a worker was killed over a hundred were injured and another 115 were detained by the authorities.The workers are protesting against a set of labor laws, including a rule that removes the requirement on companies to pay union dues and allows employers to replace workers during strikes .Despite the climate of protests , government and unions began a dialogue seeking to end the unrest." We see no immediate solution , "he told AFP Genario Lopez , leader of the Single Union of Construction Workers and Allied , and reiterated that employees " will continue to demand the repeal of the law " has caused protests.Government spokeswoman , Judy Meana , told AFP that is being called the workers " not to take these attitudes and acts of violence because the government has always been willing to dialogue . ""It is not through stones or damaging public property that does attract attention, but through the arguments , "he added .The Catholic Church and business organizations called on the government and trade unions to exercise caution and remain calm, while the University of Panama offered to mediate the conflict .The government accused the opposition right-wing Social Democrat of being behind the protests , but said the company Bocas Fruit Company, whose workers initiated the movement , " broke the law to withhold wages of workers and failing to deduct the fee -union workers " .Moreover, three policemen held by workers in the conflict zone revealed on Friday they feared for their lives and called on the authorities to the exchange of detained protesters."The life of us is at risk because people here are deeply felt "by the demonstrator who died in the town of Changuinola , told private first RPC Radio National Border Service , Abilio Cerracín , who is being held with two other Police members .Cerracín asked the security minister , Jose Raul Mulino, that " there to loosen those in Changuinola for us, because if not the life of us in danger . "   Roits  in 9th day Boca Del Toro one more dead in Panama Leonardo Flores Pedro Rodriguez sanjur la prensa  The ninth day of strike in Changuinola another fatality recorded by the fighting between unionists , indigenous, and the National Police .Virgilio Castillo, 41, became the second fatality from the chaos that exists in Bocas del Toro , which has left millions in losses to trade, and about 120 wounded, many with serious effects on the eyes. Government attempts to achieve a negotiated solution to the crisis , made the chancellor and vice-president , Juan Carlos Varela, travel to Changuinola to join the efforts he has been doing the Minister of the Presidency , Demetrio Papadimitriu . He also traveled to Bocas del Toro , among other officials , Minister of Government , Roxana Mendez, and the director of Social Investment Fund , Giacomo Tamburrelli .Up to press time (11:30 pm ), negotiations continued without success, while the manifestations of violence remained. The Changuinola River Bridge was taken by the Indians , and was reported to the headquarters of the Ministry of Labour and the institution 's vehicle had been vandalized.A Changuinola events joined yesterday the arrests of activists in the capital city , who decided to hold a general strike next Tuesday.   Republic of Panama to search for natural gas and oil  A study for the exploration of oil, natural gas and other petroleum products, to be held in Panama, was approved by the National Economic Council (CENA), reported yesterday by Deputy Economy Minister Frank de Lima. The company will identify potential areas near the Colombian-Panamanian border region, which could be exploited. "There are good indications of the existence of oil, and the commercial viability will be analyzed," he said. De Lima announced that as part of the study they will conduct drilling and geological analysis. The work will cost $ 476,765. (La Critica)    Costa Rica, San Jose News  story by Nacion Members of the PLN and the PUSC PAC agree to limit the use of weapons by citizens and push through new restrictions on law reform .Law makers of the National Liberation Party ( PLN) and Citizen Action (PAC ) and the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC ) agree that access to the register and purchase of weapons is permissive in the country, that the requirements are minimal (and the fact that the population is armed promotes a culture of violence which worsen the security landscape .Therefore, the bill proposes to prohibit 16 317 use of firearms to aliens who do not have at least five years of residence in Costa Rica.Nor shall they tread under- age , a situation which is not currently regulated by the 7530 law called the Law of Arms and Explosives. The draft also provides that the Ministry of Public Security sent a monthly inventory of weapons registered , both by individuals and by private security companies .The bill states that the Security Ministry to limit the importation of knives and daggers, when it deems appropriate.The plan also seeks to State bodies with arms surrender right to enter a quarterly report of their inventory , not six months, which is the rule which currently governs .Easy access. The initiative aims to curb the increase in the purchase and registration of such devices.Currently, to register a gun , any citizen should submit only four conditions: a psychological examination , two photographs , photocopy of identity card and fill out a form for this purpose.Data from the Directorate General for Armaments of the Ministry of Public Security show that the average number of weapons registered per month increased from 300 in 2009 to 550 in each of the first six months of this year. The most difficult position to make the registration of that type of equipment , and avoid accidents and reduce levels of violence , has the backing of President of the Legislative Assembly , Luis Gerardo Villanueva. Why the change? "I think desirable for the carrying of weapons is restricted to very skilled , in which proof of the necessity of carrying for self-defense , "said Villanueva.Meanwhile , Rep. Carmen Muñoz Citizen Action said that more accidents triggered using that " the misfortunes which are to be avoided . "For his part, Deputy of the Social Christian Unity Party ( PUSC ), Luis Fishman, considered: "Obviously , it should be a review of laws, at least to determine that people can access registered weapons have no problems psychological . "Support for limiting access to weapons comes to Congress a week after a college student Montebello, Mercedes Sur , Heredia , fired the gun from his father against the institution's director , Nancy Maria Chaverri Jimenez, 49.This is the first cousin of Victor Hugo Viquez liberationist deputy and Minister of Transport, Francisco Jiménez.After that attack, the president , Laura Chinchilla , asked school principals to review student packages .Only Rep. Carlos Gongora, the Libertarian Movement, objected to the bill. He argues that hinder the entry of weapons encourages the black market."You have to find a proper balance , that not all walk with arms but with some consistency and regulation that are not conducive to the black market , "the deputy libertarian.  PANAMA CITY, Republic of Panama – A Panamanian court has dropped money laundering charges against former Nicaraguan President Arnoldo Aleman. Story by Associated Press The court has ruled that the case against Aleman violated his right to only be tried for a crime once. The court argued the charges against Aleman were similar to charges he has faced in Nicaragua. The July 2 decision was released to The Associated Press on Friday. Aleman had been accused of using bank accounts in Panama to launder about $58 million allegedly stolen from Nicaraguan government coffers. He denied the charges. In January, Nicaragua's Supreme Court overturned Aleman's conviction for money laundering, but an appeals court later reopened three cases against him. Aleman governed from 1997-2001. Banama Worker Killed in Panama, Boca Del Toro story Associated Press  PANAMA CITY , Republic of Panama – Striking banana plantation workers and police clashed in western Panama on Thursday, leaving one man dead and 100 people hurt.   Eighteen of the injured in Bocas del Toro province, on the border with Costa Rica, were in critical condition, the national emergency agency said in a statement.     The National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights, a non-governmental labor umbrella group, identified the dead man as banana union leader Antonio Smith.   Striking banana plantation workers began protesting last week against a new law that critics say weakens unions. News broadcasts showed streets near the town of Changuinola blocked with tree trunks and burning tires. Protesters threw rocks at police, who fired tear gas.   Public Safety Minister Jose Mulino said in a statement that three police officers were being held by the workers late Thursday and that a border agent had been beaten.  Big World Cup final set for Spain and Netherlands By the A.M. Costa Rica wire services and republic of PANAMA vISITORS gUIDE   Spain will play the Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup football final in South Africa.  Spain advanced to the title game for the first time on Wednesday by beating Germany, 1-0. Spain dominated possession in the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa's coastal city of Durban.  Spanish midfielders controlled the action from the opening whistle with quick and precise passes.  But they had trouble finishing, until central defender Carles Puyol broke a scoreless deadlock in the 73rd minute.  Puyol, who plays for Barcelona, leaped high to head in a goal from Xavi Hernandez's corner kick. The game was a rematch of the 2008 European Championship final that Spain won by the same score. Spain's head coach, Vicente del Bosque, said he thought his team played a great game -- from defense through to attack.  Spanish star David Villa, who is tied with Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands for the tournament scoring lead with five goals each, said his team should have scored more goals, but he said, "the one from Puyol has put us in the final." In Sunday's final, Spain will play a Dutch squad that also has never won football's premier event.  The Netherlands lost the 1974 title game to Germany, and the 1978 final to Argentina. Dutch police say more than 60,000 fans poured into downtown Amsterdam to watch the team's 3-2 victory over Uruguay in the semifinals on a giant TV screen.  Afterward, some fans expressed their jubilation about the Netherlands being back in a World Cup final after a 32-year break. A crowd of almost 61,000 people attended the Spain-Germany semifinal.  Among the dignitaries on hand was Queen Sofia of Spain, who sat between Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body, and South African President Jacob Zuma. World Cup attendance in South Africa has passed three million.  Africa's first World Cup is expected to place third in attendance behind the 1994 World Cup in the United States and the 2006 tournament in Germany.  The 1994 World Cup set an attendance record with 3.59 million fans. The Dutch victory was well-recieved in Costa Rica by the country's expats here. this." Coment by Panama Jack These cunts are a little late finding these submarines, I have seen pictures of much better submarines 2 years ago. It time these fucking cunts the DEA get to work getting rid of these drug loards. It only takes 1 bullet to get rid of a fuck drugloard. The Convention Center will host Atlapa The Americas Luxury Travel Expo ( TALTExpo ), the luxury travel fair , bringing together suppliers and buyers from around the world related to this sector. The Convention Center will host Atlapa The Americas Luxury Travel Expo ( TALTExpo ), the luxury travel fair , bringing together suppliers and buyers from around the world related to this sector. stories by The Panama Post This activity will be 12 to May 15 to open the doors to all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and , in turn , attract exhibitors and buyers from Africa , Asia , Europe , North America and Middle East are in our region a lot of potential and growth. Carlos Cordoba , president of TALTExpo said it was the first time you do a fair of this kind in the region , also said the luxury market has been somewhat forgotten that such fairs are held in Europe , Asia and North America . " We are opening the doors to our sister countries of Latin America , the Caribbean and Europe and inviting exhibitors , "said the executive. Cordoba said the idea is to bring together not only to buyers who are focused on the segment of tour operation, but will bring decision makers in the homes of incentives, which organizes events and are responsible to find the country hotel where they will host their executives . TALTExpo will be the meeting between suppliers and buyers from Europe , Asia , Africa , Middle East , Oceania , America and the Caribbean with a variety of products such as hotels , villas , airlines and charters, and yacht cruises , tour operators, adventure travel , eco- tourism and more. Shamah Solomon , manager of the Tourism Authority of Panama ( ATP) expressed the willingness to contribute in organizing this important tourism fair , given the benefits it represents for the country to boost the image of Panama as a tourist destination . Latin America and the Caribbean are virgin markets for most businesses in Europe , Asia , Africa , North America and the Middle East , so TALTExpo provides an excellent opportunity to bring together exhibitors and buyers in a different market and accessible at the level of logistics and economy to supply up to that point fairs such as FITUR in Madrid, IMEX in Frankfurt , among others.  Argentina and Paraguay World Cup dismissed  Latin America held yesterday , Saturday, a bad day at the World Cup in South Africa, after Argentina and Paraguay were eliminated . Figures Argentine Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi left the field shattered when his team lost 4-0 to Germany. Meanwhile, the Paraguayans fell 1-0 to Spain. On Tuesday , in the semifinals, will face Uruguay and Holland on Wednesday, German and Spanish do . Noriega with ' selective memory 'story by Betty Brannan Jaén Valeria Rodriguez Paris , France Yesterday, on the second day of their trial in Paris for alleged drug money laundering , Manuel Antonio Noriega was his version of events that took power and have led to his imprisonment over the past 20 years , but was very elusive front to specific questions . In a rant at the start of yesterday's session , Noriega told his life from the day of his birth , describing himself as " professional soldier "and a ruler who sought to bring democracy to Panama . Ensures that the charges against him are " a show "and said "victim" of a conspiracy by the United States. When the president of the Court pressed him to explain the origin of the money deposited in France , Noriega was so elusive that she accused him of having " selective memory . " He defended himself with phrases like " I do not remember "and said he did not know how or why these funds were moved in this way. Perhaps it was " imaginary movements , "he said . He said he took money from Panama , because of U.S. embargo decreed against him. A lawyer representing Panama in the process called for a moral and material damages of 27 million euros ( 33.1 million dollars). The trial should conclude today, but it is likely that the judges did not announce his verdict until September or October this year. Panama Casino Industry story by Don Winner   Panama has the third most organized and developed casino and gaming industry in Latin America, according to a report of the Board of Gaming Regulatory Agencies Gaming. Recently casino operators in the region met in the country during the international SAGSE Gaming convention, which made Panama the capital of gambling for two days. Some 40 companies exhibited slot machines, table games, roulette and safety equipment technology. Also present were representatives of textile companies, dedicated to the production of carpets, and others responsible for designing uniforms for casino employees, parts suppliers, equipment maintenance companies, as well as architecture and design firms. Giorio Gennari Litta, the chairman of the event, was optimistic on the results of this international exhibition, with the quality of the companies involved and the variety of products on display, mostly consumables. (La Critica)    World Cup Tournament Brazil meets Dutch FridayBy the AM. Costa Rica wire services Brazil beat South American rival Chile on Monday night, 3-0, to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup football tournament in South Africa.  It's been a decade of dominance by the Brazilians over the Chileans.  Before a crowd of more than 54,000 people, Brazil recorded its eighth consecutive victory over Chile, a winning streak spanning 10 years. Brazil will next play the Netherlands on Friday in Port Elizabeth. The Dutch are through to the quarterfinals after a 2-1 victory over Slovakia earlier Monday in Durban.  The field for the World Cup quarterfinals will be complete by the end of Tuesday's matches.  In the day's first game, Paraguay will play Japan in Pretoria.  That will be followed by a match between Spain and Portugal in Cape Town.     iPhone getting good reviews in countries where it is soldBy the A.M. Costa Rica wire services After much anticipation, people are lining up at stores around the world to purchase the latest smartphone by Apple.  The iPhone 4 is now available in the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Japan.   In the United States, Britain and Japan, Apple's iPhone has reached celerity status. Customers lined up for hours for Apple's newest phone, the iPhone 4. Alex Lee lives in Dubai, but traveled to London for his phone. "The reason why we want to come to this one is because we really want this phone," he said. The iPhone 4 is faster, thinner, has a longer battery life, and it features video calling. Apple is not the only company that makes so-called smartphones that allow users to access the Internet. But loyal customers say its simplicity makes the iPhone stand out. "The user friendliness on the IPhone is unbelievable. It's like even a layman can use it," said one man. By the end of July, Apple says the iPhone 4 will be available in 18 additional countries. By the end of September, in 88 countries worldwide. But technology expert Rob Atkinson says smartphones will most likely not be widely used in many developing nations because of their cost, and the cost of connected on-line data plans. "So I don't think we're going to see a lot of deployment in a region or continent like Africa. You might see some among the smaller groups of higher income users there but what I do think you will see is growth in countries in places like Latin America," he said. Atkinson says countries with a growing middle class will embrace smartphones much faster. "In developing countries, that's going to be a longer process where you'll have perhaps business people, farmers, small business people, professionals who will be the first adopters - the doctors, government officials - and then it will slowly as you get more apps slowly permeate out probably," he said. Atkinson says Apple's iPhone faces growing competition from other companies, such as Google, that make their own smartphones.  With competition, experts expect prices to drop, making smartphones much more accessible to consumers around the world. Costa Rica serial rapist appears to have worked his way east to west

By the A.M. Costa Rica staff The man who committed a string of rapes and a murder appears to have begun his reign of terror June 17 when a woman was accosted and abused sexually in Sabana Norte in a bus stop not far from the Más x Menos supermarket there. The next day a student walking on her way to English classes became a victim but managed to get away from her attacker. That assault took place only a kilometer west of the first attack. June 20, a Sunday, a woman on her way to work a short distance away became a murder victim when a rapist killed her with a knife. Her body was found the next day.