HONDURAS SAYS TO SIGN ANTI-DRUG PACT WITH U.S.

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (Reuters) - Honduras will sign an agreement with
the United States in January to allow U.S. agents to board Honduran
vessels suspected of carrying drugs, an official said on Monday.

``The negotiation phase is complete and we expect to sign an agreement
not later than January,'' Minister of Exterior Relations Roberto
Flores said.

The agreement would allow U.S. authorities to board foreign boats in
Honduran waters and boats flying the Honduran flag anywhere in the
world.

Some 34,000 boats fly the Honduran flag and many have been found in
various parts of the world carrying drugs and illegal travelers.

The Atlantic coast of Honduras is an important trade route for
Colombian cocaine on its way to the U.S.