Latin Leaders to Form Regional Force for Fighting Crime and Terrorism
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TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Central American leaders agreed Thursday to create a regional special forces unit to fight drug trafficking, gang violence and terrorism within their borders.
Wrapping up a two-day meeting, the leaders said they would also develop a Central American passport and common visa requirements for the region. The decisions were the latest steps aimed at integrating the region by opening borders from Nicaragua to Guatemala and working toward a free trade agreement including the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.
Honduran President Ricardo Maduro said each country would develop its section of the so-called rapid-response forces, and then the participants would begin joint operations. He also said countries were working to issue regional arrest warrants.
On Wednesday, Guatemalan President Oscar Berger called on the United States to help train and equip the force, but it was too early to say whether Washington would play a role.
“Obviously, we need support from the institutions in the country that consumes drugs,” he said, referring to the U.S.
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