Honduran President Installed: 1st Civilian Transfer in 26 Years
Honduran President Jose Azcona Hoyo took his oath of office in a cavernous soccer stadium today, becoming the 82nd president of a nation struggling with an economic crisis and the increasingly bitter conflicts of Central America.
Vice President George Bush, Salvadoran President Jose Napoleon Duarte and Guatemalan President Vinicio Cerezo were among the dignitaries present to witness Honduras’ first civilian transfer of power in 26 years.
“I am delivering a country in liberty,” said outgoing President Roberto Suazo Cordova as he placed the blue-and-white presidential sash on Azcona’s shoulders.
“Today we are beginning a long and very difficult task,” said Azcona, 59. He noted economic challenges facing Honduras, saying it is highly vulnerable to world economic developments and too deeply indebted for its own good.
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