Cablegate: Media Reaction On Drug Trafficking, June 30, 2003

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001529

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/PDA (MBUCKLEY); WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP PREL KPAO PGOV IZ HO
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION ON DRUG TRAFFICKING, JUNE 30, 2003

1. Article in Tegucigalpa-based liberal daily "La Tribuna" on
6/30 entitled "Honduras on course to become a Narco State". "U.S.
Ambassador Larry Palmer stated that even though Honduras is not
considered a `Narco State', it may be on course to become one."

"Palmer affirmed, `that is why it is essential to take needed
action as early as possible to avoid this through the legal
institutions and through the police'."

"When asked about the role of the General Attorney's Office,
Palmer declared, `I don't think it has done a good job because
during the nine months I've been in Honduras, I haven't seen it
accuse or prosecute any of the prominent individuals who are
suspected of being involved in criminal activities'."

Palmer

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