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Constructive dialogue only way to overcome Honduran crisis - UN

23 September 2009 – The United Nations system in Honduras has called for the urgent establishment of a constructive and transparent dialogue to overcome the current political crisis facing the country, which earlier this week witnessed the return to the capital of the recently ousted President.

Since Monday, José Manuel Zelaya, who was forced from office by the military in late June, has been seeking refuge in the Brazilian embassy in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa.

According to media reports, troops have surrounded the embassy and services such as electricity, water and telephone were cut off for a time on Tuesday before being partially restored.

“It is the responsibility of the State to guarantee the life, freedom and security of all of its citizens in conformity with the international human rights treaties ratified by Honduras, the Constitution of the Republic and national legislation,” the UN said in a statement issued yesterday in the capital.

“The use of force, in any form, by agents of the authorities, applied without regard to the criteria of need and proportionality, violates the right to life and integrity,” it added, also noting that the Government must guarantee the legitimate exercise of the right of assembly.

Brazil’s President today called for a return to power of Mr. Zelaya in a speech to the General Assembly’s annual high-level debate in New York, adding that political will is vital to confronting and overcoming threats against peace, development and democracy.

“Unless there is political will, we will see more coups like the one that toppled the constitutional President of Honduras,” Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said.

“The international community demands that Mr. Zelaya immediately return to the presidency of his country and must be alert to ensure the inviolability of Brazil’s diplomatic mission in the capital of Honduras,” Mr. da Silva added.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his support for mediation efforts of President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica to resolve the crisis in Honduras, and has offered technical assistance and cooperation to help the parties reach an agreement.