Managua, Feb 8 (EFE).- The slander conviction of the Rev. Ernesto Cardenal, an acclaimed poet and leading opponent of the Nicaraguan government, was overturned Monday by an appeals court.

Brasilia, Feb 8 (EFE).- A caiman crocodile devoured an 11-year-old girl in a rural area of the western Brazilian state of Rondonia, the media reported Monday.

Guatemala City, Feb 8 (EFE).- The climate of insecurity in Guatemala is forcing women to arm themselves to protect themselves and their families, the official Diario de Centroamerica newspaper said Monday.

Bogota, Feb 8 (EFE).- Colombian police captured 21 alleged drug traffickers and the United States has requested the extradition of most of them.

Lima, Feb 8 (EFE).- The number of arrests in Lima during the first weekend of carnival reached 2,351 people, three times more than last year at this time, the press said Monday.