Over a year ago, Honduras's leftist President Manuel Zelaya was removed from office in a coup. Constitutional order was somewhat restored to the Central American nation when Porfirio Lobo was elected President in late January.
But restoring Honduras's diplomatic position has proved more difficult. As a consequence of the June 2009 coup, Honduras was kicked out of the OAS, suspended from SICA and many nations broke off relations and recalled Ambassadors.
Now, President Lobo is trying to regain support. That brought him to Belize today for a brief visit with the leaders of this country which presently holds the presidency of SICA.
The President was met at the Philip Goldson International Airport by Prime Minister Dean Barrow, Foreign Minister, Wilfred Elrington and other high ranking Government officials. They then moved on to Old Belize where Prime Minister Dean Barrow introduced him to the press and Lobos said he is looking to friends like Belize which has its own friends.
Prime Minister Barrow
"I want to introduce to you the President of Honduras, our neighboring country. A country that, we have always traditionally regarded as a good friend and a country in which we have very close relations. It a pleasure and privilege to welcome the President and his lovely wife."
Porfirio Lobo, President of Honduras
"We have a meeting this morning. We have discussed a range of issues, the most important of which is mutual interest in strengthening the relation between our countries. Sincerely for us it is very pleasant to be here and we are grateful for the hospitality and the good will of your Prime Minister our having this intention to strengthen more the relation between our countries."
Adele Ramos, Reporter
"What kind of role, what kind of assistance are you looking forward to from our Prime Minister form our country in terms of reconsolidating your relations in Central America and also the OAS?"
Porfirio Lobo, President of Honduras
"We have had the full support from the government of Belize. We are just trying to get them to help to get together with the other countries with all the friends that they might have."
Both countries signed a 7 point joint communiqué after the meeting. Centrally, It states that, quote, "Prime Minister Dean Barrow recognized the advances made by the Government of Honduras with reference to the strengthening of its democratic institutions, and offered to bring this to the attention of the other Member States of CARICOM, with a view to facilitate the return of Honduras to the Organization of American States (OAS)."
Lobo left the country after the meeting.
