Packed Meeting Condems Honduras Coup

Packed meeting called by Unite and VSC attracts over 100 people.

A packed emergency public meeting in London called by VSC and Unite on July 8th against the recent illegal coup in Honduras was addressed by representatives from four Latin and central American governments.

Venezuelan ambassador Samuel Moncada called for "a stronger response" to the coup from the US, which is continuing its "military aid and military personnel" in Honduras, saying there "should be a blockade of Honduras" that "forces them to give power back to the people."

Bolivian ambassador Maria Beatriz Souviron condemned "the breaking of democracy with military force," arguing that "now is the moment to raise our voice against the attack on democracy."

Cuban ambassador Rene Mujica Cantelar referred to recent events in light of the coups in Latin America of the past.

"Imperialist powers and national oligarchies kept the people oppressed and preserved the privileges of a tiny minority," he said. "In Honduras we now have an attempt to bring us back to those dark days of military dictatorship."

Nicaraguan chargée d'affaires Alicia Sandino condemned the coup as a reaction against the progressive "fight for social justice and liberty" taking place across Latin America, which "after many years, has achieved some steps."

Labour MP Colin Burgon argued that the "crime" of President Manuel Zelaya in Honduras was "to raise the minimum wage by 60 per cent, provide free school emails, pensions for the elderly and reduce the price of public transport."

He warned that if the coup is allowed to consolidate itself, "then just as Cuba has been an inspiration to the progressive left, Honduras will become an example to the right."