[20061013]RS21103_洪都拉斯：政治经济形势与美国关系.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21103Updated October 13, 2006Honduras: Political and Economic Situation and U.S. RelationsMark P. SullivanSpecialist in Latin American AffairsForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryHonduras faces significant challenges in the areas of crime and human rights andimproving overall economic and living conditions in one of the hemispheres poorestcountries. In November 2005, Hondurans elected Manuel Zelaya of the Liberal Partyas president in an election marred by technical difficulties that delayed the official count.The United States has a close relationship with Honduras, characterized by significantforeign assistance, an important trade partnership, a U.S. military presence in thecountry, and cooperation on a range of transnational issues. Honduras is a party to theU.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA), whichwas approved by the Honduran Congress in March 2005 and by the U.S. Congress inJuly 2005 (P.L. 109-53). The agreement entered into force with Honduras on April 1,2006. In February 2006, the Department of Homeland Securi