Honduras to End Extradition Treaty with U.S.

Honduras' foreign ministry said it would end a more than a century-old extradition treaty with the US after Washington's ambassador expressed concern about a meeting between Honduran and Venezuela defense officials.

In a letter to the US embassy shared on social media by Foreign Minister Enrique Reina, Honduras' foreign ministry expressed "the decision of the Government of the Republic of Honduras to terminate the extradition treaty."

“We have cooperated with the United States in all aspects of the fight against drug trafficking. But we consider these allusions that these government officials, who work in Defence and hand in hand with US authorities, can imply that they are involved in drug trafficking and this is unacceptable. The US has the right to follow its processes. But I think this must be the message – international relations must be based in mutual respect, in dialogue and not meddling and trying to impose policies, no matter the other state’s positions based on its interests. They can not force another country to take the positions they  want and must respect Honduras’ stance.” Reina added.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro ordered a denunciation - a unilateral withdrawal of a treaty in international law - and accused Washington of meddling in her country's affairs.

The US embassy in Honduras did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

US Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu had earlier told local TV reporters the United States was concerned after a meeting last week between Honduran Defense Minister Jose Manuel Zelaya and his Venezuelan counterpart, Vladimir Padrino.

Zelaya was joined by the country's head of the military joint chiefs of staff. Dogu said she was "surprised" they met with "drug traffickers."

The United States indicted Padrino on drug trafficking charges in 2020.