WASHINGTON: The United States is “disappointed” that the Honduran Congress voted not to allow the reinstatement of ousted President Manuel Zelaya, a US State Department official said on Thursday.
Honduran lawmakers resisted international pressure and voted 111 to 14 on Wednesday not to allow Zelaya’s return to power after he was toppled in a June coup. The United States had voiced support for Zelaya over the past five months.
The Honduran lawmakers were deciding Zelaya’s fate as part of a US-brokered deal between the deposed leftist and the country’s de facto leaders who took power after the coup.
Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela said the vote was carried out in an “open and transparent manner” and was in accordance with the agreement.
“We’re disappointed by this decision since the United States had hoped that Congress would have approved his return,” Valenzuela told reporters.
Valenzuela urged Honduras to fulfill the other steps laid out in the US-brokered deal including the creation of a government of national unity and the establishment of a truth commission to investigate the coup.
“Important work remains to re-establish a democratic and constitutional order in Honduras and promote national reconciliation in the wake of the June 28 coup d’etat as the status quo remains unacceptable,” Valenzuela said.
Another senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Zelaya’s negative attitude toward Sunday’s election could have been a factor in the Congress’ strong rejection of his restitution.
Opposition candidate Porfirio Lobo won Sunday’s presidential election, which had been scheduled before the coup.
The United States quickly recognized Lobo’s victory but said it was only one step toward restoring democracy. US officials praised Lobo for vowing to form a government that will help reconcile issues in Honduras.
The United States has alienated itself from Latin American powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil, which refuse to recognize the election because it was organized by a de facto government.
