Honduras began its new term announcing the nation is bankrupt and will need international financial assistance. The bankruptcy was caused by months of international isolation due to international disapproval of the recent coup.
The newly elected President Porfirio Lobo on his inauguration day spent most of the early part of his day talking with foreign ambassadors. US ambassadors say he has put together a broad cabinet, with candidates who opposed him in his campaign for election. However the last step the US wants him to take is to create a truth commission that will investigate the events leading up to the coup of the former president. On a last note concerning Honduran efforts to financial stability, Honduras says they will seek loans from sources such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
The article also details how life is returning to some sort of stability, including references to the removal of police forces that were once guarding the former president. Lastly it details police raids whereby police officers searched the capital for illegals weapons.
Underlying this entire article is the sense that Honduran independence is questionable, if not merely an illusion. By stating Honduran bankruptcy as a product of diplomatic isolation, Honduras is putting their sovereignty in question. Yes it is understood in this day in age that a nation in isolation is a nation that hinders, their economic and in turn national security, however to say a nation is bankrupt after only a few months in isolation is just stretching the limit of dependence. Moreover the political fabric of the government seems to be directed by US interest and other international interests, Lobo is putting in cabinet members that oppose them to appeal to the American ideal. Once again these type of actions reflect the theme of US involvement, marked by periods of complete control in Latin America.
New York Times/Honduras/January 28th, 2010/Honduras’ New Gov’t Finds Nation ‘Bankrupt’
I disagree. Honduras declaring bankruptcy does not mean it has abandoned its sovereignty. The government of President Lobo certainly rules the country, although without funds there is little that the country can do. Honduras has also not been isolated for “a few months.” The coup occurred at the end of June (basically July), meaning that for 7 months the country has been cut off. This is a disaster for such a poor country that depends on 1.5 million tourists that haven’t come as a result of the coup.
Also, to take the idea that the US is pulling strings on this government is to ignore many facts. The US attempted to negotiate with the Honduran military before the coup occurred in an effort to prevent it. The US is also one of the few countries that has recognized the government of Honduras. Therefore, Lobo is attempting to legitimize his government in the eyes of the rest of the world, particularly its South American neighbors. The coup was internally composed and not from external governments. I don’t see how the US is involved as you claim.
While U.S. involvement can be noted in our request for a truth investigation, and shows the continuity of that theme through the present day, this does not seem to me to be an unreasonable request when we plan to provide loans to the new government.
I also agree with the comment above. Honduras’ request for international aide and declaration of bankruptcy does not indicate a threat to their soveriegnty. The request for aide is only a renewal of the aide that was previously received prior to their being cut off after the June 2009 coup and has long been necessary for the survival of a small, and impoverished, nation. And their declaration of bankruptcy is only natural after six months without that economic support.