Azcona del Hoyo, José Simon (1927-2005)

Honduran politician, president 1986-90. A moderate conservative, he signed the American Peace Accord of 1987 despite his government's quiet acceptance of the presence in Honduras of Nicaraguan contras backed by the USA. He was barred by law from seeking a second term.

He served in the governments of Roberto Suazo and Walter López 1982-86, which were ostensibly civilian administrations but, in reality, remained in control of the army commander-in-chief, General Gustavo Alvarez. The latter was removed by junior officers in 1984, and in 1986 Azcona narrowly won the presidential election.

Born in La Ceiba, he trained as a civil engineer in Honduras and Mexico, developing a particular interest in urban development and low-cost housing. As a student he became interested in politics and fought the 1963 general election as a candidate for the Liberal Party of Honduras (PLH), but his career was interrupted by a series of military coups.