CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES CConnurrre ON FonEIGN AFFAIRS October 21,2010 ‘The Honorable Hillary Clinton Secretary of Sate US. Department of S 2201 € Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20520 eat Madam Secretary | am vriting to reiterate my strong support of efforts by the United States to encourage the {immediate reinstatement of Honduras tothe Organization of American States {As you know, President Lobo has taken many steps to advance a path of democratic reconciliation inthe aftermath of last year's political evens. In addition to demonstrating a concerted commitment to working with the United States and other responsible nations to counter the ‘many security challenges facing our region, President Lobo has implemented a host of initiatives to promote and protect human rights in Honduras, Ics my understanding that since President Lobo's inauguration, the Honduran goveenment has ereated the positions of Secretary of State for Justice and Human Rights and Commissioner for Human Rights forthe Executive Branch to strengthen institutional coordination in support of the advancement of rule af law and guarantee of fundamental rights forthe people of Honduras. Purthe, Thave been informed that significant law enforcement measures have been taken this year in response to alleged human rights violations, including the issuance of aes warrants and initiation of judicial prosecution. ‘The poople and goverment of Honduras have worked hand in hand with the United States to resolve the concems raised by lst year’s events. Its time to move forward [respectflly request thatthe United States immediately cease eny punitive measures that are based solely onthe afiliation of individuals with the former Michelet government — particularly the denial of visas ~ and again, express my support for U.S. efforts to encourage the immediate reinstatement of Honduras tothe Organization of American States. fed eblian) 'ANA ROS-LEHTINEN Ranking Member Singdeh