President Lobo with Burns

Press Statement

Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC

Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns met yesterday with Honduran President Porfirio Lobo, reaffirming the United States’ continued commitment to security and prosperity in Honduras. Deputy Secretary Burns and President Lobo discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including citizen security, human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and economic development. This meeting built upon bilateral discussions held earlier in the day with Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta S. Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs William R. Brownfield, USAID Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean Mark Feierstein, and President Lobo.

Deputy Secretary Burns reiterated the United States’ strong support for the Honduran government’s efforts to confront criminal organizations, identify and prosecute corrupt officials, and reduce impunity in order to build a safer future for the people of Honduras. Through the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI), the United States is supporting the Government of Honduras by assisting law enforcement entities to disrupt criminal networks; building investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial capacity; and implementing violence prevention programs for vulnerable communities. Deputy Secretary Burns commended the Government of Honduras for amending its constitution to permit extradition of Honduran nationals and other steps that strengthen the government’s ability to combat crime and improve citizen security.

The United States will continue to work in partnership with the Honduran government and the aspirations of the Honduran people for a safer, more prosperous nation.