[Peace-discuss] State Department Terminates Aid to Honduras Coup Regime

[C. G. Estabrook]

[This meeting is reminiscent of he-Clinton's meeting with President Aristide
before restoring him in Haiti.  Do you suppose that she-Clinton has also made
sure that the grateful president has promised to be a good boy and do what he's
told?  --CGE]

	September 03 2009
	Clinton terminates aid to Honduras after meeting with Zelaya

After Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Honduras' ousted President
Manuel Zelaya today, the State Department announced that Clinton has decided to
terminate U.S. assistance to Honduras. Clinton had previously suspended U.S.
assistance to the Central American state in the wake of the June 28 coup.

Negotiations led by Costan Rican President Oscar Arias under the auspices of the
Organization of American States broke down last month, after Honduras' de facto
leader Roberto Michelleti rejected efforts to allow Zelaya to return to power
before Honduras' November elections.

The State Department further said that it was in the process of revoking the
visas of identified members and supporters of Michelleti's de facto regime.

"Restoration of the terminated assistance will be predicated upon a return to
democratic, constitutional governance in Honduras," the State Department said.

At stake for Honduras, approximately $18 million in U.S. assistance, reports
estimate.

Source:FP

Robert Naiman wrote:
> http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/sept/128608.htm
> 
> U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman
> 
> For Immediate Release September 3, 2009 2009/869
> 
> 
> STATEMENT BY IAN KELLY
> 
> Termination of Assistance and Other Measures Affecting the De Facto Regime in
> Honduras
> 
> The Department of State announces the termination of a broad range of 
> assistance to the government of Honduras as a result of the coup d’etat that
> took place on June 28.  The Secretary already had suspended assistance
> shortly after the coup.
> 
> The Secretary of State has made the decision, consistent with U.S. 
> legislation, recognizing the need for strong measures in light of the 
> continued resistance to the adoption of the San Jose Accord by the de facto
> regime and continuing failure to restore democratic, constitutional rule to
> Honduras.
> 
> The Department of State recognizes the complicated nature of the actions
> which led to June 28 coup d’etat in which Honduras’ democratically elected
> leader, President Zelaya, was removed from office.  These events involve
> complex factual and legal questions and the participation of both the
> legislative and judicial branches of government as well as the military.
> 
> Restoration of the terminated assistance will be predicated upon a return to
> democratic, constitutional governance in Honduras.
> 
> The Department of State further announces that we have identified individual
> members and supporters of the de facto regime whose visas are in the process
> of being revoked.
> 
> A presidential election is currently scheduled for November.  That election
> must be undertaken in a free, fair and transparent manner. It must also be
> free of taint and open to all Hondurans to exercise their democratic
> franchise.  At this moment, we would not be able to support the outcome of
> the scheduled elections.  A positive conclusion of the Arias process would
> provide a sound basis for legitimate elections to proceed.  We strongly urge
> all parties to the San Jose talks to move expeditiously to agreement.