Council for a Community of Democracies

International Community Condemns Honduras Coup
September 17, 2009
By: Randi Zung

In June, Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was ousted from office by a coup. According to The New York Times, the democratically elected Zelaya was forced to leave the country at gunpoint on June 28th, after he proposed making changes to the constitution that would have allowed him to seek reelection. Zelaya’s term was scheduled to end in January 2010. Additionally, the Obama administration stated it has halted approximately 30 million dollars worth of aid to the Honduran government because it had not implemented the San Jose Accord, a plan that would return Zelaya to limited power until the November 29th election. Presidential candidates in the November election stated that they support the San Jose Accord plan, but did not call for Zelaya to return to office. BBC News reports Honduran officials view the US decision to halt aid as an “unfriendly” gesture.

Although the US is condemning Zelaya’s removal and exile, they are not classifying it as a military coup. According to Times Magazine, the Obama administration is not identifying the situation as a coup because it would suggest a military takeover. Although the Honduran military was involved in Zelaya’s removal, he was replaced by civilian Roberto Micheletti, who previously headed the Honduran Congress. Critics believe the State Department is being too lenient by not labeling the situation a military coup.

Several countries and international organizations are condemning the actions of the interim government. The United Nations recently barred Honduran Ambassador Delmer Urbizo from taking part in a meeting in Geneva because he represents the interim government. According to BBC News, the United States has condemned the coup and has decided to halt all non-humanitarian aid to the country until the ousted leader is back in office. The Obama administration has also asserted that they will not recognize the results of Honduras’ November election unless Zelaya is returned to power before then.

On September 15th, with citizens divided over the coup, a parade and a protest were held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras’ capital. The date marked the 188th anniversary of gaining independence from Spain. The Associated Press reports that Micheletti declared he would not step down as President. At the parade he was quoted as saying the only way Zelaya would be let back into office is “if someone comes here and invades us.” Micheletti maintains that democracy is a priority in Honduras.

Sources:

Associated Press - US laments Honduran Independence Day tensions
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD9AO445O0

Time - Why Obama Won't Use the M-Word for Honduras' Coup
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1920725,00.html

BBC News - US halts aid over Honduras coup
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8236996.stm

The New York Times - Honduras Candidates Back Negotiated Solution to Coup
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/09/16/world/international-us-honduras-candidates.html?scp=5&sq=honduras&st=cse

The New York Times - US Laments Honduran Independence Day Tensions
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/15/world/AP-LT-Honduras-Coup.html?scp=9&sq=honduras&st=cse