Honduran deal is on the "point of collapse"

From Tribune

A deal brokered last week by the Organisation of American States between supporters of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya and the country’s interim leader Roberto Micheletti appears to be on the brink of collapse.

Last Friday, coup leaders said they would sign an accord reinstating Mr Zelaya in a government of national unity ahead of elections scheduled for later this month. But on Tuesday the Honduran Congress deferred a vote on the reinstatement of the president and asked the Supreme Court for its view.

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, Tony Burke of Unite and Linda Perks of Unison addressed an emergency protest outside the American embassy in Grosvenor Square on Wednesday.

Tony Burke told the demo: Unite has supported this campaign throughout - and will continue to do so. Unite has strongly condemned the series of human rights violations that have taken place since the 28 June coup d'état, which have seen trade unionists and many others killed – all these human rights abuses must end and the perpetuators be punished if there is to be a real democratic settlement. Zelaya has said himself, we must remain vigilant until he returns to power. Many of the forces in Honduras who supported the coup in the first place are now seeking to delay or even stop the return of President Zelaya.

Such coups are something that we hoped had been confined to the dustin of history in Latin America – this coup is now being defeated by the mass movement for democracy in Honduras, alongside international pressure and solidarity. If is tried again to other throw progressive governments in Latin America, the world must against protest.

The USA must put pressure on the illegal regime and cease trade with them - as must the EU and today we demand an end to the dictatorship in Honduras and support social progress in Latin America in Venezula, Bolivia, Cuba, Ecuador – restore President Zelaya Now!

Matt Willgress, of VSC one of the organisers, said: “A deal was reached last week but so far has not been implemented. There are growing – and worrying – signs that this will be delayed by those opposed to the return of Zelaya. In Honduras itself, there are increasing concerns that Zelaya’s reinstatement will not happen.”