HONDURAS: World Bank assistance resumes
New President Porfirio Lobo and World Bank Managing Director Juan Jose Daboub yesterday announced a resumption of assistance -- worth some 390 million dollars -- to Honduras. The World Bank and other international actors suspended programmes following June's ousting of former President Manuel Zelaya. The US government last month announced it would resume aid, along with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration.
Our judgement
Resumption of international assistance is a further sign of increasing recognition of the new government, despite doubts over the legality of November's presidential election. While President Porfirio Lobo's international legitimacy is far from unanimous, it will grow as his term progresses, particularly as former President Manuel Zelaya appears no longer to be a vocal political actor.
See HONDURAS: Election result may reduce regional tensions - November 30, 2009.