North America: Honduras Rivals Prepare for More Talks

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya is welcomed by his Dominican Republic counterpart in Santo Domingo.

He’s here to drum up support for his return and reinstatement as Honduras‘ leader.

Zelaya had been in Costa Rica with his political rival Roberto Micheletti.

The two men failed to find a solution to end the political crisis in Honduras.

But they’ve agreed to hold more talks and Zelaya is confident.

[Manuel Zelaya, Honduran President]:
„This San Jose agreement to find a mediation between parties at least showed a willingness of the countries, of the United States, to find an immediate solution for the restoration of their president elected freely by the Honduran people. At this time, I can’t say more than that.“

He has also vowed to return to the country.

[Manuel Zelaya, Honduran President]:
„Everything that this de facto regime is doing is null; it is a crime. And the people are in their legitimate right, the right to protest is legal and to demonstrate peacefully as I’ve asked, which will logically bring
about my restoration through peaceful, non-violent, methods.“

Back in Honduras acting president Roberto Micheletti has shown no signs of giving in to international pressure.

[Roberto Micheletti, Acting Honduran President]:
„There are no arrangements for President Zelaya to return and take office. No way. Here, we will simply and sincerely respect the country’s laws. He committed errors and he is now paying the consequences.“

As the two men prepare for more talks Micheletti is preparing for the worst.

He’s cutting back government budgets to cope with the suspension of aid and credit from foreign governments.

(NTDTV)