MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Diplomat killings shock Chile and Costa Rica.

Chile and Costa Rica are in a state of shock this Wednesday following the killing of four people in the Chilean embassy by a local Costa Rican security guard who took his life after killing three hostages.

The Costa Rican government declared three days of national mourning and President Ricardo Lagos in Chile said the tragedy is attributable to a person who was mentally disturbed.

"It's sad for Chile, for its Foreign Service, which has lost two young officials, great officials, outstanding officials who worked very closely with many who are now my colleagues," said Lagos.

On Tuesday Jose Orlando Jimenez, the police officer assigned to guard the Chilean embassy in San Jose de Costa Rica, gunned down Chilean Consul Cristian Yuseff, First Secretary Roberto Nieto and Rocio Sariego, secretary of the cultural attaché's office. Orlando Jimenez who finally killed himself after slaying the three diplomats initially took them hostage along with seven others - three Chileans, three Costa Ricans and a Nicaraguan. After attempting to negotiate for six hours with the veteran policeman a SWAT team stormed the embassy and discovered the triple homicide and suicide.

Rogelio Ramos, Costa Rica's Security Minister said the 54-year-old Orlando Jimenez left his guard post, entered the embassy with an M-16 and fatally shot the three Chilean diplomats. The seven others locked themselves in a room where they remained until rescued at around 10 p.m. Tuesday night (0400 GMT Wednesday).

When police entered the embassy, after receiving authorization from the Chilean government Orlando Jimenez was already dead, presumably from a self-inflicted gun shot wound, said Mr. Ramos.

Orlando Jimenez "was a responsible officer and had an impeccable record" said Mr. Ramos, adding that the assailant never made any demands to negotiators nor explained why he attacked the embassy. Apparently Orlando Jimenez was angry about a request for his transfer submitted by First Secretary Nieto, the first person he shot.

Security minister Ramos said the request was made Monday, but Mr. Nieto "did not explain the reasons. It's normal for an embassy to request changes in the security personnel".