Honduras re-establishes ties to Cuba

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- In his last major act in office, President Carlos Flores Facusse re-established diplomatic relations with Cuba after a 40-year hiatus.

The action Saturday is part of a steady, gradual erosion of U.S. efforts to isolate the communist government of Cuban President Fidel Castro.

"In our times, no country can live alone," said the foreign ministry in a brief communiqué announcing the restoration of relations that took effect Saturday.

Flores Facusse of the Liberal Party was handing over power at midday Sunday to the National Party's Ricardo Maduro, who won election to a five-year term in November.

Honduras broke relations with Cuba in 1961 when the island nation was expelled from the Organization of American States.