press releases 2009

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.