US Restarts Security Assistance to Honduras

The Mérida Initiative is a cooperative agreement between the United States, Mexico, and the countries of Central America to combat the trafficking of illegal drugs, organized crime, and money laundering. The US Congress has provided US$100 million for the initiative. Honduras has accessed some of this money in the past, but in July 2009 the US government blocked the dispersal of US$16.5 million in military aid to the government of interim president Roberto Micheletti in response to the ousting of President Manuel Zelaya on June 28. The move was a punitive measure meant to pressure the interim government to reinstate Mr. Zelaya. On Tuesday, Minister of Security Oscar Álvarez met with US Ambassador Hugo Llorens and announced the signing of a bilateral cooperative agreement between Honduras and the US which paves the way for a resumption of US security assistance. The deal focuses on support for both the Honduran Armed Forces and police, as well as counter-narcotics efforts. Honduras' annual defense budget is estimated at between US$75-80 million. (photo courtesy Internet)

< Prev		Next >