TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) --The United States plans to donate seven
Blackhawk helicopters worth $25.2 million to help the Honduran military better
transport troops and respond to natural disasters, a lawmaker said Sunday.

The Honduran legislature is expected to overwhelmingly approve the donation next
week, Mamilio Rodas, of the opposition Liberal Party, told reporters.

"The helicopters are used but they are in perfect condition," said Rodas, who said
the UH-1H Blackhawks are capable of transporting up to 12 soldiers per flight.

Rodas, the head of the legislature's Security and Defense Commission, said
Washington's donation would "drastically improve the air force's obsolete fleet."

 Copyright 2002 The Associated Press.