CHILE/MEXICO/HONDURAS: 1ST UPDATE: Mexico Along With Pinera Recognizes Honduras, Re-opens Diplomatic Relations.

CNN/ 1ST UPDATE/ 01 Aug/
   Two conservative-led nations are officially recognizing Honduras. Officials in the DF said that Mexico will send an ambassador back to Honduras next week. This after Chile announced on its website that it is also recognizing that Honduras President Porfirio Lobo was elected in a free and democratic process and was reopening diplomatic relations. The ministry based its decision on an OAS report that noted significant steps towards normal democratic practices and the defense of human rights in Honduras.

HONDURAS: Troops Sent To Combat Violent Crime Surge.

AP/ MIAMI HERALD/    Defense Minister Marlon Pascua reports that soldiers will soon be sent to search vehicles and pedestrians and pursue criminal suspects on the streets of Honduras where more than 5,300 murders ocurred in 2009.