Honduras' new gov't finds nation 'bankrupt' after coup
The Associated Press
Date: Thursday Jan. 28, 2010 10:35 PM ET
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Honduras' new administration began its term Thursday saying the nation is bankrupt and will likely need international financial assistance to recover from months of diplomatic isolation over its June coup.
The first day of the new government also was marked by early morning police raids that resulted in 41 people being detained and several weapons seized in the capital.
Newly inaugurated President Porfirio Lobo swore in his Cabinet, including Finance Minister William Chong, who said the administration of interim president Roberto Micheletti left office with only about $50 million in government coffers.
Chong said the already impoverished country was bankrupt following months of isolation and cutoffs of international aid prompted by the coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya in a political fight over changing the constitution. Zelaya gave up his refuge in the Brazilian Embassy and left Honduras on Wednesday, the final day of the term he was elected to.
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