Honduran Congress to Determine the Return of Deposed President

By Brenda Lopez Romero
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – An accord was reached after several weeks of confrontation and negotiation between deposed President Zelaya and de facto President Micheletti, and Zelaya’s sudden appearance in the Brazilian embassy in Honduras’ capital, where Zelaya continues to be sheltered.

Zelaya inside the Brazilian embassy (PHOTO: BBC News)

The agreement was signed between deposed Zelaya’s team and the four month long interim government. The accord will create a power-sharing government and calls for the recognition of the controversial November presidential poll that lead to the political unease in Honduras. 

There was international condemnation and actions when Zelaya was exiled on 28 June 2009 after a successful coup. Micheletti claimed that Zelaya was removed constitutionally after he attempted to amend Honduras’ Constitution to obtain his reelection. The United States government is lifting its sanction and starting to issue visas once more.  

Stephen Gibbs with BBC News believes that the Honduran Congress, who originally voted to remove Zelaya from power, will attempt to bring him back. The Congress must review and approve the signed accord. Congress will start its deliberations after the Honduran Supreme Court provides a non-binding advisory opinion on the agreement’s validity. 

For more information, please see:

BBC News - Congress Considers Honduras Deal - 31 October 2009 

The Associated Press - Pact to Restore Ousted Honduran Leader in Congress – 31 October 2009

The Washington Post - A Win in Honduras - 31 October 2009