Honduras since the military coup. (Most governments in Latin America today still do not have full political and economic relations with the military-backed regime). Leading a delegation of politicians and business executives, Prime Minister Harper signed a "free trade" agreement with the regime that gave international credibility to the regime and that further entrenches the rights of Canadian maquiladora (sweat-shop), tourism and mining businesses and investors in Honduras. Dark tunnel of violence and repression There is no light at the end of Honduras' tunnel of violence and repression, corruption and impunity. While the roots of all this go back at least through the U.S.-backed militarism and repression of the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, there is no doubt that since the 2009 coup, violence and repression have again returned to all time high levels. North Americans must pressure and keep on pressuring our elected politicians and government officials. Public pressure on and shaming of North American governments and businesses is vital if we are to stop empowering and 'legitimizing' the illegitimate Honduran regime. It is equally important to support (with funds, human rights accompaniment, solidarity delegations, etc.) civil society groups in Honduras -- many of which are members of the National Resistance Front -- that are courageously struggling to denounce the abuses and human rights violations, all the while working to restore their democratic order and to re-found the State and society. 2013 presidential elections Despite this situation, there is a chance for positive political change in 2013. The wife