New Honduran leader sworn in, urges more US help [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

New Honduran leader sworn in, urges more US help
By FREDDY CUEVAS and ALBERTO ARCE
Associated Press
Jan 27, 6:45 PM EST

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) -- Conservative Juan Orlando Hernandez was sworn in as president Monday after a speech in which he urged the U.S. to continue support for Honduras' counter-narcotics operations and promised an iron-fist approach on crime.

"Honduras is going through one of the most difficult periods when it comes to security, 80 percent of the drugs heading to the United States go through the country leaving behind death, pain and mourning," Hernandez said.

The 46-year-old lawyer said about 70 percent of homicides are linked to drug trafficking. Honduras had a 2011 homicide rate of 91.6 per 100,000, according to the United Nations.

Hernandez said the U.S. must recognize its responsibility for Honduras' homicide rate, the world's highest for a country not at open war.

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