Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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03TEGUCIGALPA2545 | 2003-10-30 14:21:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tegucigalpa |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002545 |
1. It is estimated that around 10,000 AK-47's, remnants of the region's civil wars in the 1980's, remain on the streets of Honduras. A recent legislative decree offered USD 57 for each gun deemed "illegal", but the 90-day grace period for voluntarily turning in these weapons has now expired. During this period, approximately 1,300 weapons were turned over to various police stations throughout the country. 2. Minister of Public Security Oscar Alvarez stated that the GOH is well aware of the threat these weapons pose for Honduran security, and the danger that they could be bartered for drugs with Colombian narcoterrorist groups. As such, Alvarez announced planned operations to raid and arrest those who possess these weapons. The penalty for possession of an illegal weapon will be 8 to 10 years in prison and a fine of USD 285 to 570 for each weapon. The Minister also announced that this law will be enforced equally, regardless of factors such as socioeconomic standing or political affiliation. 3. As stated in reftel, the following arms are prohibited by the GOH: all types of AK-47's; Livian and other heavy automatic weapons with a caliber of 7.62 x 55mm; all types of Uzi machine guns; all types of M-16's; M-60 machine guns; guns used by snipers with a caliber of 5.56 mm; Galil's; G-3's; all types of Berettas 5.56; and M-21's used by snipers. Palmer |