US welcomes moves to readmit Honduras to OAS

Manuel Zelaya, pictured in 2009
© AFP/File Orlando Sierra

AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States on Tuesday welcomed moves for Honduras to be readmitted to the Organization of American States (OAS), which had expelled the Central American country over a June 2009 coup.

The reaction came after a Honduran court dropped all remaining corruption charges Monday against former president Manuel Zelaya, clearing the way for his post-ouster return to the country and for his country's return to the OAS.

"The main condition for readmitting Honduras (to the OAS) had therefore been fulfilled," OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza said Monday in a statement which was welcomed by Mark Toner, a US State Department spokesman.

"While the United States government did not take a position on how these cases (against Zelaya) should be decided, we hope that their resolution will promote continued national reconciliation in Honduras," Toner said.

He recalled US support for Porfirio Lobo, who was democratically elected in November 2009 and entered office in January 2010 "helping restore democratic and constitutional order in Honduras.

"Since his inauguration, President Lobo has moved swiftly to pursue national reconciliation, strengthen governance, stabilize the economy, and improve human rights conditions," he said.

"The United States believes the suspension of Honduras should be immediately lifted and supports OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza's intention to initiate consultations with member states on this issue," Toner said.

"Full participation in the OAS would enable Honduras to benefit fully from the OAS capacity to promote human rights and good governance," he added.

Senate Foreign Relations committee chair John Kerry said "this decision helps bring closure to a sad period of Honduran history, which began nearly two years ago with Zelaya’s removal from office."

© AFP -- Published at Activist Post with license

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