<!-- IMAGE -->U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Philip J. Crowley announced "the termination of a broad range of assistance to the Government of Honduras as a result of the coup d’état that took place on June 28."
This action is the next step "after Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton already had suspended assistance shortly after the coup," said Assistant Secretary Crowley:
"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 of the adoption of the San Jose Accord by the de facto regime and continuing failure to restore democratic, constitutional rule to Honduras."
The San Jose Accord calls for ousted President Jose Manuel Zelaya's return to power and the creation of a unity government. The Honduran de-facto government, headed by interim President Roberto Micheletti, has indicated its unwillingness to sign the Accord without changes, and has stalled for time. Thus, Honduras will forego more than $30 million worth of aid, said Assistant Secretary Crowley:
"Today’s action sends a clear message to the de facto regime that the status quo is unacceptable and that their strategy to try to run out the clock on President Zelaya’s term of office is unacceptable, and the time has come for all of the parties to sign the San Jose Accords."
"A presidential election is currently scheduled for November. That election must be undertaken in a free, fair, and transparent manner," said Assistant Secretary Crowley. "It must also be free of taint and open to all Hondurans to exercise their democratic franchise."
At this moment, the United States 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. As Assistant Secretary Crowley said, "We strongly urge all parties to the San Jose talks to move expeditiously to agreement.
This action is the next step "after Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton already had suspended assistance shortly after the coup," said Assistant Secretary Crowley:
"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 of the adoption of the San Jose Accord by the de facto regime and continuing failure to restore democratic, constitutional rule to Honduras."
The San Jose Accord calls for ousted President Jose Manuel Zelaya's return to power and the creation of a unity government. The Honduran de-facto government, headed by interim President Roberto Micheletti, has indicated its unwillingness to sign the Accord without changes, and has stalled for time. Thus, Honduras will forego more than $30 million worth of aid, said Assistant Secretary Crowley:
"Today’s action sends a clear message to the de facto regime that the status quo is unacceptable and that their strategy to try to run out the clock on President Zelaya’s term of office is unacceptable, and the time has come for all of the parties to sign the San Jose Accords."
"A presidential election is currently scheduled for November. That election must be undertaken in a free, fair, and transparent manner," said Assistant Secretary Crowley. "It must also be free of taint and open to all Hondurans to exercise their democratic franchise."
At this moment, the United States 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. As Assistant Secretary Crowley said, "We strongly urge all parties to the San Jose talks to move expeditiously to agreement.
