Following the departure of US diplomatic staff from Nicaragua at the worst moment of the socio-political crisis, the US government has now announced that it has authorized the return of the embassy staff and their families to Managua.
The crisis in which Nicaragua has been immersed since last April has negatively affected the country in multiple ways, including the irregularity with which the US diplomatic corps works.This was evident when, in mid-May, the US Embassy reported that it would not be processing routine applications for nonimmigrant visas, and that due to unstable security conditions, it would reduce the hours of service provided to the public.See "Nicaragua: US suspends visa issuance"
The attendance of the president of the rebellious Chinese island to the inauguration of President Ortega and visits to the countries of northern Central America could have profound geopolitical significance.
EDITORIAL
It is not only the importance of Taiwan for Central Americans in terms of trade and financial assistance to governments in the area.The visit of President Tsai Ing-wen could be related to the turmoil of the global political status quo that will surely arise with the new US government
The convulsions in Venezuela should not be seen as merely a political issue, but also from the point of view of the economic insecurity it creates in the region.
The effects of the crisis in Venezuela are not only reflected in the economy but spread quickly to the rest of the continent, particularly in countries with the most trade and economic ties.
The country is aiming to strengthen links with the region, support integration and increase economic, scientific and technological cooperation.
From a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama:
Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin, and the Secretary General of the Central American Integration System (SICA), Hugo Martinez, signed as part of the 68th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, an agreement which formalizes Colombia's admission as an observer of this regional organization.
The government announced it is closing its embassies in Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry says it will open trade offices in India, Singapore, China and Canada.
"Foreign Minister, Mario Canahuati, said ... Honduras is revising embassies in Latin America. The country intends to keep embassies in Colombia, Peru and Chile and for those embassies to serve other South American countries."
The IMF has recognized the government led by Porfirio Lobo Sosa, assured María Elena Mondragón, president of the Central Bank of Honduras.
Mondragón explained she received an official communication on behalf of the IMF, naming her the representative before the institution, and Finance Minister William Chong Wong as alternate representative.
“Honduras negotiated its last ‘stand by’ program in February 2008, which lasted for one year (it expired on March 2009). However, the Honduran economic and political crisis caused the IMF to suspend $120 million in cooperation”, reported Laprensa.hn.
The Spanish Ambassador has returned to Honduras, in order to normalize diplomatic relations between both countries.
Even though Lobo’s government has not been officially recognized by the Government of Spain, their intention is to gradually normalize diplomatic relations.
“Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, explained today at the European Parliament in Brussels that talks can be resumed ‘once Honduras returns to Constitutional Order”.
Up to date, Honduras has resumes diplomatic relations with Guatemala, Colombia, Peru and Canada.
Chancellor Mario Canahuati explained they are working with the United States to unfreeze economic aid.
Canahuati added: “We have also welcomed the ambassadors of Italy and Germany, and the delegates from Spain and France are on their way. We also made progress with Finland, Turkey and Morocco”.
The Guatemalan government sent Ambassador Ángela Garoz back to Tegucigalpa, after being recalled on June 28, 2009.
Haroldo Rodas, Guatemalan Chancello, explained that she resumed her diplomatic duties on Monday.
An article by Proceso.hn states that “Rodas clarified that Guatemala ‘never’ broke diplomatic relations with Honduras, by that their Ambassador was recalled for consultation, as a ‘diplomatic measure’ against the destitution of Honduran ex president Manuel Zelaya.
The Economist analyzes the upcoming administration of Porfirio Lobo and how he will have to 'pick up the post-coup pieces'.
When he is sworn in on January 27th, Lobo will take over a country that is diplomatically isolated, economically battered and socially polarized.
He inherits an economic hole. "Because of the world recession, the aid cut and the collapse in confidence triggered by the coup, the economy shrank by 3-4% last year.
The Government of Guatemala will recognize Porfirio Lobo as the legitimate president of Honduras once he is sworn in.
Álvaro Colom, Guatemalan head of state, announced that he will receive president-elect Porfirio Lobo in his Presidential Residence tomorrow.
"Carlos Amador, president of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport), ... assured that recognizing Lobo is crucial to resume the regional integration and competitiveness agenda", reported Prensalibre.com.
By refusing to consider what happened as a coup d'état, the U.S. avoids imposing economic sanctions on Honduras.
Even though Obama's administration maintains its position in favor of Zelaya's re installment as president, it has avoided declaring the Honduras situation as a coup d'état. This is a decision in itself, as it permits the maintenance of economic assistance programs for the impoverished country.
El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua eliminated the entry visa requirement for the Dominican Republic.
The act is part of the integration process being carried out by the four countries known as the CA-4, and it seeks to promote tourism and trade between the five countries.
According to Proceso Digital, the measure was passed as an act of reciprocity because the Dominican Republic "has allowed Central American nationals to enter without a visa for years."
President Obama will have a meeting exclusively with Central American leaders in Trinidad and Tobago on April 19.
The meeting between the presidents will be held immediately after the Summit of the Americas, according to a press release by the First Lady of Nicaragua, Rosario Murillo, in an article published in Ticotimes.net.
Journalist Tim Rogers wrote: "The United States Embassy in Managua confirmed the meeting with Obama, indicating that the invitation from the White House to meet with the Central American Presidents was extended via the acting President of SICA (System of Central American Integration), Daniel Ortega."