Whilst Honduras has witnessed clashes between forces behind a coup and Presidential partisans, a lobby group for the American textile industry is putting pressure on Washington to step up efforts to bring calm and stability to the region.

Photo : AFP

Seven business groups with many millions of dollars worth of commercial interests in Honduras have signed a letter to the American Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. They are demanding an intervention in the conflict in Honduras. The lobbyists highlight that investors are beginning to lose faith in the prospect of a forthcoming resolution to the situation, which could result in the closure of textile and clothing factories in the United States.

In the last three months textile exports from the United States to Honduras have plunged around 38%, a loss of $165 million. American government statistics also reveal that following a 38% drop in June, imports of textiles dropped a further 39% from June to August. Furthermore, the situation could get even worse: presidential elections in Honduras, scheduled for the 29th of November, risk exacerbated the conflict.

By Jonathan Fulwell (Source: Matthieu Guinebault)