Honduras Will Reconsider u.s. Military Bases in the Country
Castro announced that Honduras would raise a formal protest to Washington, arguing that such measures undermine national sovereignty. Jan 1st, 2025 Photo: EFE
January 1, 2025 Hour: 8:09 pm
The president stressed that for decades, the United States has maintained military bases on Honduran territory without financial compensation and warned that these facilities would lose their justification if measures were implemented that harm Honduran citizens.
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Honduras Defends Itself With Dignity and Courage, President Castro Says
In her New Year’s message, Honduran President Xiomara Castro addressed several issues crucial to the country’s future, highlighting the progress of her government and denouncing U.S. interference in internal affairs.
During a national radio and television broadcast on January 1, Castro emphasized that in 2025, the presence of the U.S. military base in Palmerola, Comayagua, will be reviewed if the new U.S. administration adopts hostile policies toward Honduran migrants.
The president stressed that for decades, the United States has maintained military bases on Honduran territory without financial compensation and warned that these facilities would lose their justification if measures were implemented that harm Honduran citizens.
The Soto Cano Air Base, known as Palmerola, has been a strategic point for U.S. Southern Command since 1982, currently housing more than 500 American military personnel and civilians.
Castro also expressed her desire to maintain a “constructive and friendly” dialogue with the new Trump administration; however, she made it clear that any attempt at mass deportation of Honduran migrants would be considered a hostile action.
This statement reflects the concern of the Honduran government regarding the promises made by the president-elect during his campaign.
In her speech, the president did not hold back criticism of the U.S. government for including Judge Sonia Marlina Dubón on the Engel list and the consequent suspension of her visa, calling this action an act of interference.
Castro announced that Honduras would raise a formal protest to Washington, arguing that such measures undermine national sovereignty.
Castro also reiterated her rejection of the controversial Employment and Economic Development Zones (ZEDEs) project, which she considers a “treason to the fatherland” and an example of neoliberal policies that compromise national interests.
This speech marks a significant moment in relations between Honduras and the United States, reflecting a change in the position of the Honduran government towards a greater defense of its sovereignty and rights against external interference.
President Castro seems willing to confront U.S. policies that directly affect her nation and its citizens.
Autor: MLM
Fuente: Gobierno de Honduras - El Pais - El Proceso - HRN
