UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002855

SIPDIS

FOR PD/WHA (MBUCKLEY)
INFO IIP
EMBASSIES FOR PAOS, APAOS, IOs,

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KPAO HO PA
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: HONDURAS AND THE WAR AGAINST IRAQ


Editorial in "La Tribuna"(liberal party periodical)
Tegucigalpa-based daily (10/9), "Honduras and the War
against Iraq." The Minister of Foreign Affairs has said
that Honduras will support the United States in an
invasion of Iraq to bring down and if it possible get rid
of Saddam Hussein".

"In addition to this, the Honduran government also signed
an agreement with the United States promising not to send
North American soldiers stationed in our country to the
International Criminal Court for trial." This agreement
was signed at the request of the United States who seeks
to sign similar agreements with other countries in order
to protect U.S. soldiers from being tried at the
International Criminal Court". With these two incidences
of support, nobody can question that Honduras is not an
excellent ally of the United States.

"Because of the unconditional support that Honduras
offered to its northern neighbor on two issues that are
of high interest to it, we would hope the visit of Colin
Powell to Honduras would be advantageous and beneficial
and will give us the opportunity to outline themes that
are important to us - of which we have many, including
the border problems with our neighbors".

Palmer.