Monday, 28 September 2009
The de-facto Honduran government has refused to allow ambassadors from Argentina, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela to return to the country after they left together with diplomats from other countries in protest against a state coup in June.
The European Union and Organization of American States (OAS) have urged dialogue to bring ousted President Manuel Zelaya back to office and decided last Wednesday to send their ambassadors back to Honduras.
"The return of ambassadors from Argentina, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela, who left Honduras by unilateral decisions of their respective governments, must be considered in accordance with international norms and procedures," the Honduran Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The four countries were the most vociferous critics of the coup and the de-facto government, headed by Roberto Micheletti.
The statement lauded, in general, the decision by the EU and the OAS to send back their diplomats to Honduras and claimed it was a sign of the recognition of the de-facto government.
"We positively regard this decision and consider it as recognition of the constitutional government led by Roberto Micheletti," the document said.
However, the EU presidency Sweden said on Sunday that the move was an important step in support of ongoing talks to restore the constitutional order and democratic process in Honduras, but it did not mean the recognition of the de facto government.
Manuel Zelaya was bundled out of the country on June 28 by the military, acting on instructions from the Supreme Court and parliament, for his efforts to seek an unconstitutional second presidential term.
He was flown to Costa Rica and has been travelling extensively in an attempt to gather international support. He met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on September 3.
The ousted president made a dramatic return to Honduras' capital last Monday, taking shelter from arrest at Brazil's embassy and calling for negotiations with the leaders who forced him from the country at gunpoint.
The de facto Honduran leadership has not been recognized internationally.
