WASHINGTON, D.C. — Negotiations to create a free-trade agreement between the United States and five Central American nations are progressing, said Regina Vargo, assistant U.S. trade representative for the Americas.

Speaking Friday at the conclusion of the sixth round of Central American Free Trade Area negotiations, Vargo said that the U.S. Senate's approval of U.S. free-trade agreements with Chile and Singapore last week put "a good wind in the sail" of the negotiators from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the United States assembled in New Orleans for the week. And already, she added, progress has been made in many areas.

Vargo said that market-access discussions continue to be "valuable and productive" and will lay the foundation for the exchange of new offers. She noted that talks on the subjects of customs administration and electronic commerce were particularly successful, indicating that negotiations in these areas "advanced significantly" with only final reviews needed on the subjects.

Costa Rica's chief trade negotiator in New Orleans, 

"We have begun to see the fruits of our work this week," she said. "We still have a lot of work ahead, but we are on the right track."

Ms. Gonzalez and El Salvador's chief negotiator, Eduardo Ayala Grimaldi, both emphasized the fundamental importance of enhancing Central America's ability to better benefit from free trade as part of the negotiation process.

Trade capacity-building, Ayala Grimaldi explained, "allows us to strengthen areas where we need it. It is vital to allow us to accept the challenges of globalization. . . ."

To assist in bolstering the region's trade capacity, New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin announced that the city will establish the CAFTA Trade Capacity Building Institute. He said the institute will be a think tank where government and business officials from Central America could come to prepare for the changes the pact will bring.

The next round of free trade talks are to be held in Managua, Nicaragua, and negotiators have said they hope to finalize the pact by the end of 2003.

One pilgrim died when he was hit by a car and died early Saturday, and some 28 persons were arrested on a variety of charges Friday and Saturday.

The Ministerio de Gobernación, Policía y Seguridad Pública gave an outline of events during the pilgrimage to the Basilica of La Virgen de Los Angeles in Cartago. More than a million persons walked the distance.

Dead is Ricardo Fayner Madrigal, who was hit by a car in San  Pedro de  Montes de Oca about 1:30 a.m. Saturday. He was walking from Tibás where he was employed.

Police grabbed one person who was accused of selling pornographic cards in the public right-of-way.

Others were arrested on drug charges or fighting. Police confiscated 46 crack rocks, 25 grams of marijuana and two marijuana cigarettes.

Some 1,100 police officers were on the job overnight to protect the pilgrims.

The Virgin, La Negrita, is the country’s patroness.

Both murder suspects
are dead by suicide

Two men, principal suspects in different murders, have died by their own hand.

The first is Ramón Garita Garita, 45. He was in Hospital México where he was being treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He was the only suspect in the killing of his former girlfriend, Marta Iris Sánchez Chinchilla, 29, and her companion, Pedro Sosa Orozco, 19, in Barrio La Pascua in Quepos early Thursday.

The second man, Carlos Corrales Picado, was found floating in an inlet on the east shore of the Osa Peninsula Saturday. He was the object of a massive manhunt after three children died and a man was seriously wounded Wednesday evening in Puerto Escondido.

Corrales went on a shooting spree in which he hunted down two 15-year-olds and killed them at different places. Then he confronted a neighbor, killed the man’s child, just three years and 11 months old, and then shot the man.

Corrales fled, but investigators said that he must have killed himself with a bullet to the head not long after the murders.

Suspect jailed in death

A judge in Quepos has jailed an Italian with the last name of Robercio for investigation in the murder of taxi driver Rafael Enrique Chacón Barboza, who died Tuesday in an apparent robbery attempt. The suspect was found wounded nearby by police. He will be jailed for at least six months while the investigation proceeds.

Valley man died in sea

A 34-year-old Coronado resident died about 11:45 a.m. Saturday off Playa Bejucal near Parrita when he vanished beneath the waves. Rescue workers recovered his body about two hours later. He was identified as Cesar Ballestero Umaña.

Possible murder victim found

The nude body of a woman believed to be about 25 years old was found in a small park in Los Guido in Desamparados, according to police. Investigators are treating the case as a homicide.

Stowaways grabbed in Limón

Six Hondurans and two Colombians have been detained in Puerto Limón as stowaways attempting to enter the country, according to the Fuerza Pública which made the arrests early Sunday.

The University for Peace has asked to negotiate with Radio for Peace International to defuse a growing legal battle over the presence of the radio station on the university’s Ciudad Colón campus.

Luis A. Varela Quirós, a lawyer working for the university, sent a letter to Rodrigo Carazo Odio, the former Costa Rican president who also is a former president of the University for Peace, a United Nations affiliate.

Varela said that he hoped to met Aug. 11 to begin negotiations with the radio station. Carazo has supported the radio station.

The Radio for Peace International is a separate non-profit organization that raises its own funds and built its own building on the university campus. On July 21, Varela, in the name of the university, gave the station two weeks to leave.

The radio station, in turn, went over the head of Martin Lees, university rector, last weekend and sought support from the 17-member University for Peace Council, the organization’s supreme authority. Members come from many countries. Some 10 members are named by the secretary general of the United Nations.

Radio for Peace officials believe that the council 

James Latham, chief executive officer of the shortwave radio station, said in a letter that he, too, hoped that people can co-exist peacefully and solve their differences without resorting to force. The text of the letter to Lees was made public.

"Furthermore," said Latham, "we condemn the hostile acts of your employees; specifically the padlocking of our independent main access gates, effectively impeding entrance and exit to workers in their everyday transit to work."

Radio for Peace International spokesmen said they were not exactly sure that Varela has the power to order an eviction because he showed no credentials and the eviction notice was not signed by Lees. Varela said in his letter that the university would take no legal action while negotiations are taking place.

The university has said, and the station agrees, that the university is owed money. The radio station is an international voice supporting the United Nations. It has been transmitting programs on peace, social justice and human rights issues since 1987, the station notes.

Arcelio Hernández, a San José lawyer, is representing the radio station in the dispute.

Gay marriage isn't exactly a hot topic around the world, because in many societies, homosexuality is such a taboo, it's never discussed. 

In the United States, the culture has become a bit more accepting of the reality that some men and women are sexually attracted to their own gender. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that laws against same-sex copulation are unconstitutional, and the State of Massachusetts is considering legislation that would give gays the freedom to marry. 

But many Americans still believe homosexuality is immoral, and a recent poll indicates a majority believe gay marriage should not be allowed. The two biggest Christian denominations in the United States teach that homosexual behavior is a sin. But that doesn't mean all Christian denominations are as condemning or as clear on the issue. 

If you have any doubts about whether Americans have become more comfortable discussing homosexuality, just listen to what aired on prime-time television last Thursday night. 

Jack: "I tell you what. I'm going to take you to my gay group therapy. They'll help." 

Karen: No! No more of your damned gay group therapy! How many times do you expect me to sit through 'Mama Mia'?!" 

Jack: "Karen, I'm serious. Come with me. They'll help. I used to have multiple personalities. Now I'm only dating one guy." 

That's from an episode of Will and Grace, one of the top-ranking shows on NBC television. It's about a gay man, Will, his best friend from college, Grace, who's heterosexual, and their gay and straight friends. 

But while many Americans may find Will's character to be entertaining, that doesn't necessarily mean they'd be willing to give him all the privileges that come with marriage. 

Under existing law, gay couples are vulnerable in a way married couples are not. For example, if a husband is injured, no one can prevent his wife from visiting him in the hospital. And if he dies, his wife automatically retains custody of any children they may have. 

Not so with gay couples, regardless of how long they've been together. But many Americans insist marriage is, by its very nature, between a man and a woman. And as President George Bush recently revealed at a press conference when asked for his opinions on homosexuality, this strictly limited view of marriage is shaped by a particular set of religious beliefs. 

"Yeah, I am mindful that we're all sinners. And I caution those who may try to take the speck out of their neighbor's eye, when they got a log in their own. I think it's very important for our society to respect each individual. To welcome those with good hearts. To be a welcoming country. On the other hand, that does not mean that somebody like me needs to compromise on an issue such as marriage," Bush told reporters. 

A day later, the White House announced President Bush is willing to consider a constitutional 

The Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention are the two biggest Christian denominations in the United States, and they both have very unambiguous views of homosexual behavior. It's a sin. 

But not all Christian denominations subscribe to that view. Unitarian Universalists, for example, unconditionally welcome homosexuals, although that denomination isn't exactly the norm. What's more common is a situation like the one facing the Episcopal Church right now, where leaders will have to decide whether to ratify the recent election of an openly gay man as bishop. 

The United Methodist Church has been challenged in recent years by ministers who insist on blessing same-sex unions, in spite of the church's official policies. And the Presbyterian Church USA has been plagued by disagreements over the role of homosexuals in the church, perhaps more so than any other denomination in America. 

"It certainly is the lightening rod that draws the most active struggle," said Mark Achtemeier, a theology professor at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He said homosexuality may be the most contentious issue facing the nation's largest Presbyterian church since the days when members disagreed about slavery. 

Two years ago, the church's General Assembly appointed a task force to consider the role of homosexuals in the church. That task force will be drawing upon biblical scripture, Presbyterian tradition, and scientific theories about homosexuality when it makes its recommendations in 2006. Mark Achtemeier said the issue has the potential to split the church, because the debate is really about basic, Christian teachings. 

"The traditionalists are convinced that this is a debate about the authority of scripture, and that if you give ground on this, you've essentially renounced loyalty to the Bible. People on the progressive side tend to see it as a justice issue and think abandoning the struggle for greater inclusion of gays and lesbians would be to walk away from the Bible's commitment to compassionate outreach to the oppressed," Achtemeier said. 

Achtemeier said he can't even begin to guess what recommendations the task force will make. Right now, openly gay men and women are allowed to join the Presbyterian Church USA, they just can't be ministers. And ministers are allowed to bless same-sex unions, so long as they don't use the word "marriage." 

Some Presbyterian leaders are pushing for ministers to be allowed to use the word "marriage". But in the unlikely event that the task force makes that recommendation, there's no guarantee that gay marriages recognized by the church will also be recognized under the law. And they certainly won't be recognized as legal unions if a constitutional amendment is passed, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. 

Wildfires are burning out of control in the western Canadian province of British Columbia. Vast expanses of land have been scorched and thousands have been evacuated from their homes northeast of Vancouver. 

The situation for those fighting the fires is getting worse. Some of the largest fires, which have already caused widespread damage, appear to be growing in size. One of the larger blazes actually jumped over the North Thompson River, a major waterway that leads to the town of Kamloops. 

An extended summer drought, hot temperatures, and fierce winds continue to hamper firefighters. The weather forecast is calling for slightly cooler temperatures, but thundershowers could bring lightening strikes. It is suspected that half of the more than 350 fires currently burning around the province were started by lightening, the rest by humans. 

By Saturday night, approximately 75 houses, 150 outbuildings, and some businesses were destroyed around the small rural towns of McLure and Barriere. 

At least 8,500 people in total have been forced from their homes, with more evacuations pending. 

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell declared a province-wide state of emergency Saturday. Military personnel and firefighters from across Canada have been called in to assist local authorities. 

A fire in neighboring Washington state, which has been burning since the end of June, is also threatening to cross the Canadian-American border. Major fires are also burning in the states of Idaho and Montana. The Canadian province of Alberta has also seen several blazes force people from their homes. 

So far only one injury is reported in the British Columbia fires. A 53-year old man was burned on his face and upper body while trying save a neighbors house.

No-visa stopover
program suspended

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Because of security concerns, the U.S. government has suspended two international airline transit programs that allowed foreign passengers to stay in U.S. airports without visas while waiting for flights to other countries. 

The step was taken after intelligence reports indicated terrorist networks planned to use the no-visa programs to infiltrate U.S. airports without being screened. 

The two programs allowed flyers who would normally need a U.S. visa to skip the required paperwork while stopping at U.S. airports and changing planes for another foreign destination. 

The suspension especially affects airline passengers who used U.S. airports as a transit point for travel between Asia and Latin America. 

Those most affected will be passengers from Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines and Peru, who will no longer be granted visa-free entry for airline stop-overs. 

Officials in the Homeland Security Department said on Saturday the suspensions will be evaluated during the coming months based on intelligence reports and passenger reaction. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge called the move "aggressive" and said it was necessary to protect lives and property. 

Aviation security has been stepped up considerably after the hijacked airliner attacks on New York and Washington on Sept. 11, 2001.

The "Transit Without Visa" program began in 1952 and allowed flyers who need a U.S. visa to skip the required paperwork while stopping at up to two U.S. airports and changing planes for another foreign destination. The "International to International" program was similar except it only allowed foreigners to pass through one U.S. airport en route to a foreign country, and required them to remain in the international transit lounge. 

Bolivians report
large cocaine grab

LA  PAZ, Bolivia — Authorities say they have seized three tons of cocaine in what they call the biggest drug bust ever in the poor South American country. 

Police say they seized the cocaine from what they called an "international drug trafficking gang" on Saturday in the southeastern city of Santa Cruz. Police had confiscated another two tons of the drug in the same city on Friday.  Police said the drug shipments were destined for Spain. 

The cocaine busts were the biggest in Bolivia since police discovered four tons of the drug on board a cargo plane eight years ago.  Bolivia is the world's third-largest producer of cocaine, behind Colombia and Peru.

Big Mexican shootout
stems gang invasion

NUEVO LAREDO, México — Mexican authorities say a pre-dawn shootout near the U.S. border has left three suspected drug traffickers dead and six other people wounded.

Officials say the gun battle happened Friday here when local police tried to stop a convoy of armed men who began shooting at them. 

Officials also say federal police and army troops were called in to provide backup and that the soldiers fired on the suspects' cars with rocket-propelled grenades.

Authorities say the convoy appeared linked to an attempt by traffickers from other areas to move into territory controlled by the Gulf Cartel. The group operates in northeastern Mexico.

The shootout occurred less than one day after U.S. and Mexican officials announced the arrests of more than 240 people in a 19-month operation targeting Mexico's Zambada-Garcia drug cartel.

The cartel leader, Ismael Zambada-Garcia, and two deputies, have also been indicted as part of the investigation known as "Operation Trifecta." They are charged with trafficking in cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine.

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The Belgian parliament has enacted legislation to change a controversial war crimes law under which cases were filed against President George Bush and many other world leaders. 

The Senate passed the measure Friday, following approval by the lower House earlier in the week. Under the new legislation the jurisdiction of Belgian courts is limited to cases involving long-term Belgian citizens or residents, who were victims or suspects at the time of an alleged crime. The changes also ensure immunity for world leaders and officials who visit Belgium. 

The original law gave Belgian courts the power of universal jurisdiction, to try war crimes cases, no matter where the acts were allegedly committed, and no matter what the nationality of those involved. The law angered Washington when lawsuits were filed against President Bush and other senior U.S. officials accusing them of war crimes in Iraq.

Subsequently, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Washington would be reluctant to send American officials to North American Treaty Organization meetings in Brussels, and that the United States opposed further spending on a new NATO headquarters in Belgium.

The original law provoked a number of controversies. One prominent case against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was thrown out by the Belgian Supreme Court earlier this year. Even Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel was affected, when an opposition party filed a complaint against him, accusing him of illegally authorizing arms shipments to Nepal.

Michel told the Senate Friday that the noble cause that prompted the parliament to adopt the law, was abused and manipulated for political ends. He said relations have been damaged with nations that Belgium traditionally has excellent ties with.

Critics say the old law, originally passed in 1993, made Belgium somewhat of a joke on the world stage. The law was first applied to prosecute two Rwandan nuns on genocide charges in 2001. This prompted a series of other lawsuits against a number of world figures. 

Shining Path leader
on hunger strike

CALLOA, Peru — Abimael Guzman, the jailed leader of Peru's Shining Path rebel group, and his imprisoned lover have begun a hunger strike to protest solitary confinement that keeps them apart. 

Guzman and Elena Iparraguirre say they will not eat until prison authorities lift the order that confined them to their cells on Friday. They had been allowed visitors, letters, radios and access to a common courtyard at the prison here built especially for terrorists. 

The two prisoners claim guards stole Ms. Iparraguirre's diary, which reports say indicated Guzman continues to lead the Shining Path from his cell. Ms. Iparraguirre had been the rebel group's second in command. They were captured together in 1992. 

Guzman has gone on hunger strikes before, calling for new trials and prison transfers for jailed rebels. 

The Maoist-inspired Shining Path had up to 10,000 fighters at its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, when it tried to overthrow Peru's government with a campaign of bombings, assassinations and peasant massacres.  More than 30,000 people died in the violence, which dropped off considerably after Guzman's capture. 

Colombia car bomb
wounds nine people

BOGOTA Colombia — A car bomb has exploded in a rural town, wounding at least nine people. 

Army Gen. German Galvis said the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, is to blame for the attack at a main plaza in Socha, about 180 kilometers northeast of here. He says at least eight civilians and one police officer were injured, and several homes damaged. 

El Espectador newspaper quotes Gen. Galvis calling the bombing a terrorist attack against the Colombian population.

Brazilian police evict
squatters at hotel

SAO PAULO, Brazil — Brazilian police have stormed a hotel near the center of this city to evict hundreds of squatters who moved in two weeks ago. 

Police fired tear gas in the hotel early Friday to remove the families belonging to a homeless movement. Some of the squatters resisted the raid, and set fires. Four of them were injured. 

The Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper says police acted after the hotel owner got a court order to remove the squatters. 

The raid comes as Brazil's landless poor have increased invasions of rural land. Several activist groups are seeking the redistribution of land to Brazil's poorest citizens. 

Ferry, ship collide
and four people die

NASSAU, The Bahamas — Officials say at least four people have died and some 16 were injured after a cargo ship and a ferry boat collided in Bahamian waters.

Rescuers searched on Saturday for victims of the crash in deep water, 14 kilometers to the southwest of Eleuthera Island. At least 15 people were evacuated by helicopter to a hospital here.

The ferry, named Sea Hauler, was carrying 194 passengers and several crew when it collided with the cargo ship called The United Star after 1 a.m. local time on Saturday. Officials said the cause of the accident is not known and an investigation is under way.