merely signing the agreement kicks in U.S. support of elections

[Micheletti negotiator] Armando Aguilar Cruz said in a press conference that "they are not connected, the issue of the return of Zelaya Rosales to the executive is not tied to the electoral process, they are two entirely different things, one does not condition the other."

This was clearly established with the international delegations of the U.S. government and the Organization of American States (OAS) which accompanied the negotiations and endorsed the agreements signed by representatives of Zelaya Rosales and interim President Roberto Micheletti.

Aguilar Cruz cited, for example, that the U.S. delegation head Thomas Shannon and his companions "were clear that merely signing the agreement produces the result that the U.S. government will support the Honduran electoral process and that support has begun from today."

The international community was informed today that Honduras has negotiated a solution to the crisis and has therefore overcome any inconveniences that existed which resulted in the suspension of international aid and all restrictions are lifted related to international lending agencies he said.

a la fuerza

Cartoon courtesy of Tiempo.hn

Honduras deal "a diplomatic victory for Obama"

Honduras is on the verge of ending a four-month political crisis after rival camps cut a deal that could return ousted President Manuel Zelaya to power and earn international support for a November 29 election.

Buckling under pressure from U.S. diplomats, negotiators for Zelaya, toppled in a June 28 coup, and the de facto leader Roberto Micheletti who replaced him, agreed to put an end to Central America's worst political turmoil in two decades.

The deal, a diplomatic victory for U.S. President Barack Obama, leaves it up to the Honduran Congress to decide whether Zelaya can be restored to serve the last few months of his term -- the question that caused earlier talks to stumble.

A Congress vote is expected in the next few days, after the Supreme Court gives a non-binding opinion on the matter.

- Reuters

just in time for Halloween 2009!

[Click image to enlarge] Costume consultants say an 8-ball of Colombia's finest really helps gets you "in character" to pull this costume of. At the Halloween party you should talk a lot of bull (example "I never intended to stay in power" or "a new socialist constitution will solve all of Honduras's problems"), give a lot of worthless ultimatums (example: "If you don't get me that cocktail in the next five minutes I will... I will...  I will move to another room in the embassy"), and spend A LOT of other people's money for the full effect! If anybody says anything offensive to you, immediately pretend to call "Chavez" on your cellphone, and wail and complain about how mean "The Empire" is.

happy U.S. Americans

The Gringos are happy about this agreement, aren't they? They're like "Yay! We STILL have some clout in Latin America! Who knew! At least the Hondurans still respect our authori-tah!"

U.S. embassy restarts tourist visa service in Honduras

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa announced today it would begin issuing non-immigrant tourist visas to Hondurans again.

U.S. Visa service was suspended after June 28 to pressure Hondurans to resolve their political issues. On top of that they canceled (canceled!) the U.S. visas of dozens of officials in the interim Micheletti administration and other notable Hondurans who supported the fast-track impeachment that took place. The cantankerous Gringos at the State Department even canceled President Micheletti's visa! ...Gurl...

You have to understand: for Hondurans having a U.S. visa in their passport is the holy grail! It's like having one of those Black American Express cards. It means: if at any moment I snap and just cannot for another millisecond deal with third world bullsh_t anymore, I can hop on a plane to Miami or L.A. and leave it all behind (maybe even for good). It's an escape clause in the sometimes not so enviable "contract" of being a Honduran.

the agreement

The pact signed by the two sides includes twelve points, but only nine were announced: [1]the creation of a government of national unity and reconciliation; [2]rejection of amnesty for political crimes and a moratorium on prosecutions for ordinary crimes. It was further agreed to [3]renounce a call for a national constituent assembly or to amend the bedrock articles of the Constitution; [4]to recognize and support the general elections and transfer of government power; and the [5]transfer of authority over the Armed Forces and National Police to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal [from now until after the elections take place].

Moreover, [6]the establishment of a verification commission to enforce provisions of the agreement; [7]the establishment of a truth commission to investigate events before, during and after 28 June 2009; and [8]request that the international community reestablish relations with Honduras.

The last point, which had stalled the negotiations and on which agreement was reached last night, was [9]the possible reinstatement of Manuel Zelaya which is to be settled by Congress, after consultations with the Supreme Court and other relevant authorities.

Vilma Morales, a Micheletti negotiator, said that no deadlines have been imposed for the Congress takes action on the agreement. Neither have deadlines been set for the Supreme Court or any other bodies to assess the agreement and make statements, which apparently would be non-binding.

[OAS official] Victor Rico highlighted the "patriotism" and "sacrifice" that both sides have shown to secure the signature of this agreement.

Translated from El Heraldo

Historic agreement signed!

Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The political crisis in Honduras has stayed in the past after the signing of the "Tegucigalpa-San Jose-Guaymuras Dialogue Agreement."

Commissions representing Manuel Zelaya and Roberto Micheletti signed the document at noon today, handing it shortly afterward to the secretariat of the National Congress to take a decision on the reinstatement of the former president "as established by the Honduran Constitution and laws," said  president of that branch, Jose Alfredo Saavedra.

The representative of the Organization of American States, Victor Rico, confirmed that in a week the national unity cabinet will be formed.

Translated from El Heraldo 

This is awesome news for Honduras! Hopefully this is the beginning of the end of the nightmare Hondurans have been going through.

Today in Honduras

07:37 pm. Dialogue. The commissions seeking a solution to the political crisis through Guaymuras dialogue  will resume the talks tomorrow, said Vilma Morales counsel. The former president of the Supreme Court denied there was pressure from the U.S. delegation that arrived in the country today and highlighted the respect shown by these officials for an agreement among the Hondurans to overcome the crisis.

05:30 pm. Abuse. The OAS should not reject the outcome of elections in Honduras before examining the conditions under which they will take place, said the United States representative at the agency, Lewis Amselem. "For the OAS to discard the results of the elections without considering the conditions under which they will take place is an abuse of the right of self-determination of Hondurans," said Amselem.

04:04 PM. Reaction. Brazil reacted on Wednesday after the decision by Honduras to sue that country before the International Court of Justice for meddling in its internal affairs, saying that the court "will not even be receive" the Honduran request.

02:39 PM. Call. Honduras-based U.S. businessmen called the U.S. State Department to suspend its warning on travel to Honduras and expressed support for the replacement of Manuel Zelaya.

U.S. delegates try to grease the wheels of dialogue

U.S. delegates met this afternoon with representatives of the dialogue between interim President Roberto Micheletti and deposed Manuel Zelaya, together with representatives of the Organization of American States to seek a political solution to the crisis.

In a previous communication, the State Department spokesman, Ian Kelly, confirmed that American officials would meet "with representatives of both parties to discuss ways to move forward the process" of the San Jose Accord.

According to information from Kelly, the task of this committee is to bring Micheletti and Zelaya closer. Zelaya was deposed on 28 June. Today marks four months since the country submerged into the political crisis.

On Tuesday, the Honduran president Roberto Micheletti denied that the return of Manuel Zelaya is an item on the agenda of the U.S. Undersecretary of State, Thomas Shannon.

The decision to send the mission was taken by the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, after the failure to reach an agreement of the negotiations between Zelaya and Micheletti, with just over a month to go before the elections scheduled on 29 November, Kelly said the AFP.

"We are asking both sides to show flexibility and to redouble their efforts to end the crisis," the State Department spokesman said on Wednesday.

"Secretary Clinton believes the United States can play a constructive role in encouraging the return of the parties to the negotiating table," he said.

Translated from El Heraldo

Rep. Mack: "designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism"

WASHINGTON - Rep. Connie Mack announced Tuesday that he filed a U.S. congressional resolution calling on the government of Barack Obama to include Venezuela on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

"Today (Tuesday) I introduced a resolution with my good friend, Congressman Ron Klein (Democrat), asking the government to designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism," Mack said during a hearing in Congress on Iran's presence in Latin America.

"Venezuela is a danger that should not be underestimated," said Mack.

The list of sponsors of terrorism now includes only four countries: Cuba, Sudan, Iran and Syria, after North Korea was removed on 11 October.

The states considered sponsors of terrorism cannot receive U.S. economic aid and trade benefits nor enjoy financial treaties, among other prohibitions.

Translated from AFP

I really don't think Venezuela is the problem. The problem is Venezuela under Chavez.

U.S. to become directly involved in Honduran negotiations

[State Department spokesman Ian] Kelly said it was important for the two sides to end the crisis before the Nov. 29 election. Neither Zelaya nor Micheletti are running, but Zelaya has said Micheletti's refusal to reinstate him before the election will strip the vote's legitimacy and further isolate the de facto government.

"We want to see an election, which is coming in about exactly a month, to enjoy the kind of international legitimacy that these people of Honduras deserve for their government," Kelly said.

After the last round of talks broke down last Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton telephoned both Zelaya and Micheletti and urged them to be flexible and to work harder to end the crisis.

She is sending Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas Shannon, his deputy Craig Kelly and Dan Restrepo, the director for Western Hemisphere affairs at the White House, to push the two sides toward a compromise.

The U.S. delegation plans to meet with representatives from both sides to seek common ground. It was not clear if Zelaya and Micheletti would meet face-to-face.

- Reuters

dolphins swimming dogs

Paya Bay's two dogs, Lucky and Foxy, take a dip in the new swimming area. Foxy's in the foreground, and Lucky's in the distance. Paya Bay Resort, Roatan, Honduras.

This is something they spontaneously choose to do. Who can blame them? It's a rough life these dogs have.

Micheletti's nephew assassinated

Enzo Micheletti, the 25 year old son of President Micheletti's deceased brother, Antonio, was assassinated over the weekend. Enzo's body was found near the city of Choloma (Cortes province) with his hands tied behind his back. He had been shot twice.

How very sad. My sincere condolences to the Micheletti family. May this young man's killers be found and brought to justice.

Photo: La Prensa

un héroe / a hero

Presidente Micheletti, los hondureños que en verdad amamos Honduras lo apoyamos. Somos la gran mayoría. Estamos dispuestos a lo que sea para mantener nuestra libertad y democracia.

 

President Micheletti, the Hondurans who truly love Honduras support you. We are the vast majority. We are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain our liberty and our democracy.

the toll on the tourism industry

Tourism was the country's main economic motor but since the coup, says [former tourism minister] Ricardo Martínez, Honduras' tourism industry, which grew by a robust 9% in 2008, has plummeted 70%. The 7% tourism growth projections for 2009 are now expected to dip into the red. And the 155,000 Hondurans employed by the tourism industry are, in the words of Martínez, "suffering violently." Several TACA airlines flights to Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, which used to bring hundreds of tourists to Honduras every day, have been canceled. A project to build an international airport at the Copán ruins was suspended, and charter groups from Europe are backing out. Overall, it's estimated that Honduras' economy has been set back 10 years over the past three months.

- Time Magazine

This article accurately reports the alarming toll the political crisis has had on the Honduran tourism industry, however, its tone is heavily biased toward the Zelayistas (as is the case with most foreign media reports). The author fails to mention that the reason Honduras got in this mess in the first place is because former president Manuel Zelaya broke our laws and refused to obey our courts.  Zelaya is the ground zero of the problem. He's really the one who pulled the coup d'etat when he acted as if he was above the law, not the interim government. The foreign media needs to stop treating him and his supporters as victims!

The fact that Mr. Martinez is using a public forum to inflect even more damage on a crippled Honduran tourism industry speaks volumes of what a little man he is. Debería estar avergonzado de sí mismo, señor Martinez.

Hat tip to Pete.

Biehl: majority of Hondurans support a "third party" solution

Background: John Biehl is the OAS official who has been facilitating the Guaymuras Talks in Honduras between the interim government of Roberto Micheletti and the deposed president Manuel Zelaya.

When asked about the latest proposal by Micheletti's team, in the sense that the current president would relinquish power if Manuel Zelaya also desists from his intention to be reinstated, John Biehl said the entire international community has been clear that it will respect any agreement the Hondurans achieve.

In that respect, he acknowledged that a survey from a prestigious polling company, in the hands of the OAS reveals that the majority of Hondurans are in agreement with a third party as a possibility for a solution to end the crisis.

"If you ask me if I support a third party, I say: 'we will not intervene in this, in poll that I'm talking about, a majority of Honduran people think that this should be one of the solutions'."

He said the survey, whose results will be announced in the future, also reveals that all Hondurans want an immediate and peaceful solution.

The popular sentiment, demonstrated by Hondurans favoring of a third party, is that a government of reconciliation and national unity be formed. Biehl agreed that a unity government should be headed by the current Minister of the Interior.

EL HERALDO learned last night, from highly credible sources, that the third party's proposal was accepted by one sector of the Zelayistas, but not by those that maintain more radical positions like Rasel Tomé, Andrés Tamayo and Carlos Eduardo Reina (who long ago was "desvisado" [lost his U.S. visa] for human trafficking.)

Although the latest Micheletti proposal is akin to the results of this survey, Manuel Zelaya's position remains adamant that any agreement must pass through his return to power.

Translated from El Heraldo

preparations for Honduran elections advance

The preparations for the elections of November 29 advance against all odds in Honduras, despite that the political crisis entered a new phase after the unsuccessful conclusion of a new attempt at dialogue.

On Friday, The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), which has embarked on a strong offensive in the U.S. for global recognition of the elections, ordered the  printing of 15 million ballot papers for voting.

To be elected are a president and three presidential designees (vice-presidents), 128 congresspeople and 20 members to the Central American Parliament and 298 municipal mayors (all with their deputies).

"We must continue the electoral process, the printing of ballots has a period within the election timetable. If a candidate chooses not to participate at the last minute, that is an aspect to be addressed at that time," expressed the secretary general of the TSE, Alejandro Martinez.

Translated from laprensa.com.ni

quote of the day

The people of Honduras have struggled too long to have their hard-won democracy stolen from them by a Chavez-style dictator. The Honduran Congress, the Honduran Supreme Court, and the Honduran military have acted in accordance to the Honduran constitution and the rule of law.

- U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R, SC)

the point is

[T]he point is that a man violated the constitution of the country he was elected to lead. That, in our American system, warrants removal from office. All other considerations are secondary.

Earlier today, I wrote about double standards and how they're dangerous. In this case, a double standard is being imposed on Honduras by the same country who impeached Andrew Johnson and would have impeached Richard Nixon if he hadn't resigned first. The Secretary of State of all people should realize that. Don't forget who her husband is.

- Andrew Mathis, Cleveland Examiner (this editorial is flawed -- see the comments from readers -- but it contains a few nuggets of clarity, like the ones above).

Zelaya rejects Micheletti's offer

The deposed president rejected President Micheletti's proposal that they both renounce the presidency and that a transitional government be created to resolve the political crisis.

Source: El Heraldo

This shows which one of these men truly cares for the country.  All Manuel Zelaya cares about is power. President Micheletti wants what best for the country, which includes no restitution for Zelaya. Above and beyond the fact that Zelaya alleged broke the law 18 times, a man who wouldn't obey our courts simply cannot be trusted to abide by a political agreement.

world upside down (repost)

Click the image to enlarge. All this is happening with a U.S. military air base smack in the center of Honduras. Imagine if this base wasn't there? That is exactly one of Hugo Chavez's stated goals. He wants the Soto Cano (Palmerola) U.S. airbase out of Honduras. That is why he is so fiercely supporting his puppet Manuel Zelaya's restitution to the Honduran presidency. Chavez, Fidel, and their ALBA cronies want to open up a pipeline of narcotics (cocaine and heroin) into the U.S. that will make the Alaskan Pipeline look like a drinking straw in comparison.

For years, leftist insurgent groups in Colombia, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and right-wing paramilitaries have been financed largely by that country's cocaine trade. Conservative estimates place the annual revenue stream to the FARC alone at between $515 million and $600 million per year. (In 2002, the U.S. ambassador to Colombia put the figure at "several billion" dollars.) [source]

While the Chavez-Castro cartel wrecks America's youth and productive forces with easy access to hard drugs, it will use the proceeds from the drug trade to undermine U.S. national security interests throughout Latin America. The plan is as genius as it is evil. That is why it is SO CRAZY that the Obama administration is supporting Manuel Zelaya's return to power. That is why it is also so crazy that the Mexican government is supporting Zelaya. If the Mexicans think they have exorbitant amounts of drug trade-related violence now... just wait until the drug trade becomes fully state-sponsored and is being used deliberately as a weapon of anarchy, chaos, and social destruction.

The so-called "coup" that removed Zelaya from power in Honduras a little over three months ago was the first thing to go wrong in the Castro/Chavez plan. What's happening in Honduras right now is critical to the national security of both the United States and Mexico (and, one could argue, even Canada). In pressing for Manuel Zelaya's restitution, the North American governments are not acting in the best interest of their people. Wake up, Americans! Wake up, Mexicans! Wake up, Canadians! WAKE UP!

Colombian defense minister: most drug flights originate in Venezuela

Most of illicit flights at the service of drug traffic in direction to Central America and the United States come from Venezuela, reported Colombia's Defense Minister Gabriel Silva, causing renewed controversy.

The remarks made by the Colombian official could reactivate the discussion on the subject between the governments of Bogotá and Caracas, which are undergoing a diplomatic crisis that has started to harm bilateral trade, Reuters reported.

"The number of flights found going from Colombia is very marginal nowadays. Unfortunately, most of the flights found and ending in the area of Honduras, as confirmed with the aircraft that arrived there, go through Venezuelan territory," Silva told reporters.

The official made reference to a complaint from the de factor Honduras government about the landing of a Venezuelan freighter filled with drugs, early this week.

- El Universal  (Venezuela)

Micheletti to Zelaya: I will resign if you also desist on your claim

Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The government delegation proposed again today to deposed President Manuel Zelaya that if he gives up his aspirations to return to the presidency, Roberto Micheletti will also step down, reporters were informed by [Micheletti] negotiator Vilma Morales.

"We express the acceptance of President Roberto Micheletti to leave the Presidency of the Republic if Mr. José Manuel Zelaya gives up his claims, thus leading to a transitional government of national reconciliation," Morales told a news conference. This proposal comes after Zelaya announced the dialogue was closed as of midnight Thursday after the government refused to return him to power to end the crisis, which began June 28.

Zelaya announced that he will contact various members of the international community to refer them the situation after the breakdown of dialogue with the government of Roberto Micheletti.

Translated from El Heraldo

quote of the day

The night is darkest before dawn.

- English theologian and historian Thomas Fuller

This is a dark hour for Honduras. Our elections -- a way out of this nightmare Manuel Zelaya led us into  -- beckon like a brilliant light a little more than four weeks into our future.  Sinister forces have aligned intent on making sure they don't happen.  Political chaos serves them and their vile agenda.

I believe Honduras will be just fine. We will get through this. We are very fortunate people, everything goes right for us. At the critical moments, the people we needed to be there for us, those people have been there and will continue to be there. President Micheletti, our Supreme Court, and our armed forces are prime examples of this.  Other freedom loving people are joining our ranks.  Evil will crumble in the face of this strong and unyielding opposition.  Our elections will be a peaceful and beautiful civic exercise. The free world will look on with awe and admiration.

As a people, we have made it clear how much we love and appreciate our freedom. No one will take it from us. This is a time of heroes. The world will not soon forget how hard Hondurans fought for their freedom in 2009. We are already a legendary and celebrated people, synonymous with courage and grit.

2010 will be the beginning of a bright and prosperous new future for my country.

And so it is.

Honduras to denounce Chavez to OAS and UN

Tegucigalpa, Honduras.  Honduras will denounce the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, to the OAS and the UN for his verbal attacks and the continuing arrival in the country of "narcoavionetas" with Venezuelan flags that may be transporting weapons.

The minister of the presidency, Rafael Pineda Ponce, said the Foreign Ministry was instructed by President Roberto Micheletti to file the complaint with these agencies.

"It has become intolerable the presence of these aircraft that can carry -- and it is only hypothetical because there is no evidence -- arms, drugs and even armed men that could be part of some supposed guerrilla group ...".

At least 15 Venezuelan registered planes have appeared in recent weeks and is assumed they brought drugs and even weapons.

Translated from El Heraldo

TSE in D.C. meetings with Republican legislators

Washington, USA. Members of the Tribunal Supremo Electoral of Honduras, TSE, assured the U.S. Congress yesterday there will be no repression when the organ assumes control of the armed forces for the November elections and that measures will be taken to ensure "free and fair elections."

"The TSE is making its best effort to provide the best conditions so that on November 29 there will be free and fair elections with universal and secret ballot," said TSE president, Saul Escobar Andrade after meeting with Republican leaders of the House of Representatives. 

Andrade Escobar was joined at the meeting by the judges Enrique Ortez Sequeira and David Andres Matamoros Batson. 

During the closed-door meeting to which only part of the media had access, Matamoros Batson told the congressmen that there is no repression in the run up to the elections.

Translated from La Prensa

Gaviria: it's "impossible" to return Zelaya to power

Sao Paulo, Brazil. César Gaviria, former secretary general of the Organization of American States, stated yesterday that he considers it "impossible" for the deposed President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, to return to power because he lacks the support of the Judiciary, Congress, and the military. He even hinted that Zelaya could stay in the Brazilian embassy in the rest of his life.

The former Colombian president (1990 - 1994) defended the transitional government in Honduras and a process of monitoring the elections on Nov. 29, as a solution to the political crisis in this Central American country.

Translated from La Prensa

are Costa Rica and Panama next on Chavez's 'to do' list?

Tegucigalpa, Honduras. After gaining influence in the Central American countries of Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala, and while waging an intense battle to get Honduras under his control, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is now looking to extend his influence in two Central American republics to the south that have been elusive so far: Costa Rica and Panama.

With the victory of center-left Alvaro Colom in Guatemala and the latest "pearl" that was the win of the [leftist] FMLN in El Salvador, Chavez strengthens his hold on the isthmus, in sharp contrast to South America, where only the poor nations of Bolivia, Ecuador and Paraguay serve his needs, while the vibrant economies of Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Peru have kept their distance.

In Honduras, Chavez was in control through deposed Manuel Zelaya, but after his ouster from office on 28 June, the situation has become complicated. Chavez has not given up on Honduras and fights tenaciously to achieve Zelaya's restitution.

In Panama, Chavez expansionism is disguised as "Bolivarian solidarity" which offers purported assistance to impoverished indigenous communities. In this regard, Venezuelan diplomatic personnel in Panama initiated activities in the regions of various indigenous peoples without informing the Panamanian Foreign Ministry, sparking the anger of the government of Ricardo Martinelli.

very, very disturbing

Look at the size of this Venezuelan plane that landed on a clandestine airstrip in the Olancho province of Honduras last night. Honduran authorities estimate that the Russian-manufactured Antonov could have transported 4,000 kilos of cocaine (that's 9,000 lbs or 4.5 short tons!). If (and that's a big IF) the plane was used to transport drugs. It is very disturbing to think how much arms a plane this size could have brought into the country. Hell, it could have even transported troops. Then again, this may just be an intimidation tactic Chavez is pulling.

Photo courtesy of El Heraldo

how things are done in ALBA countries

Managua, Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan opposition soundly rejected the verdict of the [Nicaraguan] Supreme Court which declared "inapplicable" a constitutional provision prohibiting continuous reelection, in a ruling favoring the reelection plans of President Daniel Ortega in the elections of 2011.

[Opposition congressman] Eduardo Montealegre described the decision by Sandinista judges of the Constitutional Court that declared inapplicable section 147 of the Constitution, which prohibits continual reelection of the President of the Republic, as an attempted coup and a blow to the democratic institutions, according to the Nicaragua Hoy newspaper.

Eduardo called on all political sectors, economic sectors, civil society, and the international community to reject and prevent this new abuse and illegality by Ortega.

He indicated that the Organization of American States (OAS), European Union, the United States Government, among others, have been contacted to communicate this attempted coup d'etat.

He said he hopes that the OAS has as belligerent a position with this attempted coup as it has had it with the case of Honduras. 

Translated from El Heraldo

Wow. The Sandinista judges declared a section of the Nicaraguan Constitution "inapplicable" to Daniel Ortega. Chew on that.  He obviously bought them off. That's how things are done in ALBAlandia. That's why the Honduran people want out of Hugo Chavez's sinister sphere of influence.

The Nicaraguans need to grow some balls and do like Honduras did: give Ortega a one way ticket to Costa Rica. Unfortunately for them, however, Ortega is very entrenched, he has a crushing grip on their country, and his pockets are full of Venezuelan money.

I'm truly curious to see how the OAS is going to react to this one. If they just shrug and brush off Ortega's power play, it will give credence to the claim that Hugo Chavez runs that organization.

James Baker: U.S. should support upcoming Honduran elections

The time is right to resolve this festering problem. This will require leadership from the United States, which will have to be willing to modify its original position. The United States should embrace this realistic compromise and announce its support for the pending election in order to persuade the parties in Honduras and the countries of the Organization of American States to do the same. And as it advocates international recognition of the results of the election, the United States should, of course, do everything possible to help ensure that it is free and fair.

- James Baker III, Washington Post

Guaymuras talks bogged down over Zelaya's return

UPDATE 20/OCT/2009: Zelaya's representatives rejected this proposal (that is, that both Congress and the Supreme Court present reports to the commissions about the removal of Zelaya and that a decision on his reinstatement be based on those reports.)

---------------------

The commission representing the government of Roberto Micheletti proposed today that they and the representatives of deposed president Manuel Zelaya be the ones to decide the solution to the crisis in Honduras, but based on reports from Congress and the Supreme Court.

The latest proposal is that both bodies [Congress and the Supreme Court] present to the dialogue commissions a report on the background and events that led to the removal of Zelaya on June 28, which would provide a basis for the decision, this according to Armando Aguilar, a member of the Micheletti's commission.

Aguilar made his comments after a break in the dialogue, which resumed this afternoon after finishing without agreement last week and with only one unresolved issue: the restitution of Zelaya.

The same source indicated that the requested reports from the legislative and judicial powers are "to justify the decision that would be taken at the negotiating table."

Last week, Zelaya's representatives demanded that the National Congress decide his return to power, while the Micheletti commission proposed that the Supreme Court should decide. These proposals were not accepted by either of the parties.

Translated from La Prensa

Honduras to shoot down "narco-avionetas"?

Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Planes suspected of being linked to drug trafficking and whose crews do not complete the formalities of identification required to overfly the territory of Honduras will be shot down, announced Director of Drug Enforcement, Aristides Julian Gonzales, today.

In consensus with the Navy and Air Force, we "have reached an agreement to shoot down all the aircraft suspected of being linked to drug trafficking and which resist completing the formalities of identification to fly over our country," he said.

Prior to commencing this action, however, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must give an opinion regarding the Chicago Convention, which prohibits the shooting down of aircraft.

Translated from El Heraldo

Wow. I they proceed with this, it is a big step. Chavez will blow a gasket.

what's their cargo?

Morazan, Yoro, Honduras. 19/Oct/2009. "Narcoavionetas" [drug planes] continue to land in the country. Since late September, nearly 15 aircraft have landed from Venezuela.  On the road leading to Morazan and El Negrito, [Department of Yoro], a Piper Arrow III aircraft with Venezuelan registry (YV4427) was found. In the area, drug traffickers cut down trees to improve visibility for the pilots. They used the main road as an airstrip. Another plane landed in Iriona, Department of Colón.

Translated from El Heraldo

As crazy as it sounds to say this, given the current situation in Honduras, one has to hope they are merely bringing drugs, not arms and/or gobs of money for the zelayistas.

world upside down

Click the image to enlarge. All this is happening with a U.S. military air base smack in the center of Honduras. Imagine if this base wasn't there? That is exactly one of Hugo Chavez's stated goals. He wants the Soto Cano (Palmerola) U.S. airbase out of Honduras. That is why he is so fiercely supporting his puppet Manuel Zelaya's restitution to the Honduran presidency. Chavez, Fidel, and their ALBA cronies want to open up a pipeline of narcotics (cocaine and heroin) into the U.S. that will make the Alaskan Pipeline look like a drinking straw in comparison.

For years, leftist insurgent groups in Colombia, principally the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and right-wing paramilitaries have been financed largely by that country's cocaine trade. Conservative estimates place the annual revenue stream to the FARC alone at between $515 million and $600 million per year. (In 2002, the U.S. ambassador to Colombia put the figure at "several billion" dollars.) [source]

While the Chavez-Castro cartel wrecks America's youth and productive forces with easy access to hard drugs, it will use the proceeds from the drug trade to undermine U.S. national security interests throughout Latin America. The plan is as genius as it is evil. That is why it is SO CRAZY that the Obama administration is supporting Manuel Zelaya's return to power. That is why it is also so crazy that the Mexican government is supporting Zelaya. If the Mexicans think they have exorbitant amounts of drug trade-related violence now... just wait until the drug trade becomes fully state-sponsored and is being used deliberately as a weapon of anarchy, chaos, and social destruction.

The so-called "coup" that removed Zelaya from power in Honduras a little over three months ago was the first thing to go wrong in the Castro/Chavez plan. What's happening in Honduras right now is critical to the national security of both the United States and Mexico (and, one could argue, even Canada). In pressing for Manuel Zelaya's restitution, the North American governments are not acting in the best interest of their people. Wake up, Americans! Wake up, Mexicans! Wake up, Canadians! WAKE UP!

the Honduran "cyber" street

If they can't agree who should take this on (Mel's restitution), pass it to the people, let the people decide through a fourth ballot box placed in the November 29 elections if Mel can return or not return. This way everyone would abide by that result, because we cannot deny what we ourselves decide. Even Mel likes fourth ballot boxes, so he couldn't possibly object.

- Alvaro (Commenter on La Tribuna )

it's nice to have a powerful ally

them's fighting words

Cochabamba, Bolivia. The presidents of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) announced they will create a "security council" to ensure regional democracy in the block, and instructed the political commission to put together a draft policy for discussion at the next presidential summit.

The initiative came from Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez at the 7th summit of ALBA, which began Friday in this city in the center of the country and was supported by colleagues from Bolivia, Ecuador and delegations from Cuba and the Caribbean islands that make up the block.

Chavez suggested that the organ be called the ALBA Security Council but his Bolivian colleague, Evo Morales, suggested the creation of a "military school of the dignity and sovereignty of ALBA for the development of new military doctrine" distant from the national security doctrine promoted by the United States throughout the continent in past decades.

Chavez said that "more than one the forces of the national and international Right will be knocking on the doors of the barracks ... [which are] intelligence agencies of the golpistas, murderers."

"We can not sit back because this is a latent threat and we see its maximum expression in Honduras. I think we should pursue this proposal (from Morales) to create a military organization for the ALBA countries," he said.

"We should even increase all work pertaining to training and joint maneuvers. We should have land, air, and sea maneuvers," said Chavez, adding: "I do not know what will happen in Honduras, but people have the right to resistance, even armed resistance ..."

"We want peaceful revolutions, but if they force us back to the Sierra Maestra we'll make a Vietnam, two Vietnams, three Vietnams in Latin America. I say this very strongly to the imperialists and the gorillas around there who believe they will again install the cave era on this continent," he said.

On Friday, presidents and high level delegates from the ALBA countries opened  the 7th summit of the bloc in this city, which included an envoy from the Russian president, who expressed the desire to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations with nations of the region.

Russia was among the countries invited to the summit which included the presidents of Bolivia, Evo Morales; Ecuador, Rafael Correa; and Venezuela, Hugo Chávez. Also attending were the prime ministers of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerit; of Antigua and Barbuda, Winston Baldwin Spencer; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves.

Translated from El Heraldo

Most of what Chavez says is merely bluster.  Chavez is scared sh_tless that the U.S. is going to pull a Manuel Noriega on him. He also knows the U.S. is not going to sit idly by and allow him to do anything to endanger their military base in Honduras. That being said, here's hoping this kind of talk from Chavez alerts key people in the United States' national security apparatus to urgency of what is occurring in Latin America. Let's face it, the U.S. is the ultimate target, snagging Honduras is merely one of many steps in much bigger and much more sinister plan. Fidel Castro has spent 40 bitter years plotting this. He's just recently got the financing to attempt to carry it out through Chavez's (and perhaps even Iran's) petrodollars.

the rodas orc

Patricia Rodas, the deposed foreign minister of Honduras (and, many believe, the ideologue behind Zelaya's sharp swing to the left), has spent the last three months traveling the world asking foreign governments to impose sanctions on the Honduran people (for defending their democracy against her and her ilk, no less). Her hatred, vindictiveness, and 'salting the earth' mentality seem to know no bounds. This depiction of her as an orc pretty much sums up how Hondurans feel about her.

be firm, sir

Sea firme Presidente Micheletti. El pueblo hondureño lo apoya.

Be firm, President Micheletti. The people of Honduras support you.

no agreement yet

Reports are saying the dialogue between the Interim Government and the Manuel Zelaya's side has hit a wall.  Micheletti says that restitution is a legal issue and that the Supreme Court must decide it. Zelaya's saying that restitution is a political issue and that the National Congress should decide if he gets to return or not.

I agree with President Micheletti.  This is a legal issue.  The moment Zelaya broke our laws he became subject to the jurisdiction of our judicial system. A portion of the legal remedy for Zelaya's law-breaking has already been carried out: he was removed from power. However, he still has two arrest warrants pending against him that he must answer to. A president doesn't get a second chance to "not break the law again." He or she doesn't get "a warning" or a "we'll let it slide this time." Additionally, our Constitution is clear that once a person has held the title of president he or she can never hold it again.

Zelaya wants to get the Congress involved to create division. Chavez will pay Zelaya's sympathizers in Congress to create a big stinking scandal of apparent support for Zelaya, raising the volume and the intensity of the national discourse, and creating division among the Honduran people.  This is a divide and conquer strategy. Don't fall for it, President Micheletti.

agreement near in Guaymuras talks?

The Honduran press is reporting that the two sides are now 95% in agreement and that a solution could be reached today.

funny

Hondurans are definitely grateful for Team USA's Jonathan Bornstein's last minute goal that tied their match with Costa Rica 2-2 and allowed Honduras to automatically qualify for South Africa 2010. President Micheletti has offered Mr. Bornstein an all expenses paid vacation in the Bay Islands as an expression of gratitude. The American said he will consider taking the president up on his offer when his schedule frees up.

In an infuriating move, the resistencia, the rag-tag group of Zelaya supporters, called for Hondurans to "boycott" and not support the national team because "it was sponsored by coup-supporting corporations." This call, like all their hateful so-called "calls," went completely unheeded.  Curiously, both Zelaya and some members of his resistencia have recently made anti-Semitic statements. It's karmically interesting, then, that an American of Jewish ancestry made the goal that indirectly permitted the Honduran team to qualify to the World Cup, and made the resistencia's pathetic boycott of the team backfire even more violently in their faces. Karma is a bitch.

Cartoon courtesy of El Tiempo

or else, what?

Last week Manuel Zelaya arbitrarily set October 15 as a "deadline" for his restitution to the Honduran presidency, "or else." Curiously, he declined to state what would happen he wasn't re-instituted.  October 15 has come and gone, and Zelaya remains incarcerated in his embassy prison. So, the answer to "Or else, what?" is nothing.  Zelaya's threats are empty. With the exception of a few hundred die-hard left-wing supporters, he has the support of no one else inside Honduras. This show is over, folks. It's time to move on. This pathetic alleged traitor and alleged law-breaker should go ahead and ask Brazil for asylum and leave our country. [Exit stage left.]

the star

Carlos "The Flying Shadow" Pavón. His goal against El Salvador was crucial to the Honduran effort to qualify for the World Cup.

A formidable athlete. He is Honduras' top scorer of all time.

Photos courtesy of El Heraldo and La Prensa

hero's welcome for the squad

Thousands of fans converged on Tegucigalpa's airport today to welcome home Honduras' freshly minted World Cup team.

Photo courtesy of El Heraldo

Carlos Pavon's and Johnathan Bornstein's goals: beautiful soccer!

This is the goal that won the match for Honduras against El Salvador. David Suazo made the pass to Carlos Pavón, who headed it into the goal.


Here's the 95th minute goal by Team USA's Jonathan Bornstein that tied the score with Costa Rica 2-2, and gave Honduras automatic qualification. Again, awesome header!


Kind of like... allies. Thanks for watching our backs, USA.

the planets aligned for Honduras!

Honduras has qualified for the South Africa World Cup! What a wonderful gift of joy for a noble people who have been going through a very rough time lately. What a good omen for our future!

Felicidades Selección! Viva la H! Viva Honduras!

another big soccer match tonight

UPDATE 8:32 PM

WE DID IT! We won the game in San Salvador and we qualified! (The USA, which had already qualified, tied with Costa Rica 2-2, which was in our favor. Gracias gringos!)

-----------------------

If Honduras wins the match against El Salvador and Costa Rica loses or ties with the United States (this match is also tonight in San Jose, CR Washington, DC's RFK Stadium), Honduras will qualify for the World Cup.  The planets must align, but everything is possible.

Adelante Selección!

Guaymuras Talks breakthrough?

UPDATE 6:16PM

"Until now there is no definitive position on this point (return of Manuel Zelaya), but there are interesting alternatives on the table that we are working on," said Vilma Morales, chief negotiator for the Interim Government of Roberto Micheletti. She added that the dialogue will take longer.

---------------------

Today negotiating teams seeking a solution to the political crisis in Honduras reached an agreement on the point relating to the reinstatement of Manuel Zelaya.

They did not reveal the content of the agreed upon text, which will be submitted for consideration to the ousted leader and President Roberto Micheletti.

"We have achieved consensus on a single text for Point Six (which relates to reinstating Zelaya to power) ... I cannot discuss the content of the text because I agreed not to do so, and I do not want to antagonize the other party," Victor Meza said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. Meza is one of Zelaya's negotiators.

Meza did not reveal whether the agreed upon text includes the return of Zelaya or not.

Translated from La Prensa

Hopefully they've found a "text" that can work that doesn't put our democracy at risk for even a second. 

the 30th wealthiest

Western Hemisphere - 2008 GDP per capita (IMF)
World Rank	Country	US$
13	United States	47,440
18	Canada	45,085
33	The Bahamas	22,359
37	Trinidad and Tobago	19,870
47	Antigua and Barbuda	14,556
51	Barbados	13,314
53	Venezuela	11,388
55	Saint Kitts and Nevis	10,310
56	Mexico	10,200
57	Chile	10,117
59	Uruguay	9,654
63	Brazil	8,295
64	Argentina	8,171
69	Panama	6,784
71	Grenada	6,587
73	Costa Rica	6,544
75	Saint Lucia	5,806
77	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	5,615
78	Suriname	5,504
80	Jamaica	5,199
81	Dominica	5,082
83	Dominican Republic	4,992
84	Colombia	4,989
89	Peru	4,448
91	Belize	4,241
96	Ecuador	3,928
98	El Salvador	3,824
108	Guatemala	2,850
113	Paraguay	2,601
122	Honduras	1,826
124	Bolivia	1,656
126	Guyana	1,509
140	Nicaragua	1,028
152	Haiti	790

Source: wikipedia 

I'm sick and tired of people referring to us as "the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere." We used to be 2nd, but that was a long time ago. Now we're the 5th poorest, dammit! (Or the 30th wealthiest, looking at it from the glass is half full perspective.) Nothing to brag about, some might say, yet it shows how far Honduras has come during the last 30 years through the hard work of its people (and -- it must not go without being recognized -- the generous financial and technical assistance of various friendly countries and organizations around the globe). This growth and improvement has all occurred on a democracy, capitalism, and free enterprise platform.

Honduras is rising! The last thing we need is to be set back by some two-bit dictator and some bullsh_t "socialism for the 21st century" that Hugo Chavez pulled out of Fidel Castro's rear end, and that Chavez and his puppet Zelaya were trying to force on us. This should help explain why Hondurans reacted the way we did on June 28. We simply refused to let Manuel Zelaya knock over and squash everything we've built as a people during the last three decades.

U.N.: Zelaya's removal "was constitutional"

A study by the Department of Political Affairs of the United Nations (UN) on the causes of the crisis in Honduras, concluded that the removal of President Manuel Zelaya, "was constitutional under the laws of the country," confirmed officials of that organization.

This version was officially divulged today by senior UN officials. Its conclusions also coincide with the study prepared by the Library of U.S. Congress, which did its own independent analysis of the situation that generated and maintains a political crisis in Honduras. 

"Most of the member states of the United Nations after understanding other scenarios and information now agree that they would not support any resolution of the UN General Assembly that requests sanctions against Honduras."

Translated from hondudiario.com

All these organizations (OAS, UN, EU, U.S. State Department) were so quick to judge and condemn Honduras (even going as far in some cases as imposing sanctions) for the removal of a rogue, law-breaking president, and now - months later - they are realizing that Honduran authorities acted legally all along.  Shame on you! Shame on you! Shame on you!

Rep. Lamborn's Honduras trip report

We met with the entire Supreme Court minus only one, with Mr. Micheletti and several of his Cabinet ministers, with two of the three election tribunal members and also a citizens panel that included Americans living in Honduras. To a person, they not only wanted to be done with Mr. Zelaya but said if he was restored to power for even one hour, as the United States under the leadership of Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton has insisted, their country would be finished as a democracy.

Every single Honduran with whom we met stressed that the already scheduled Nov. 29 elections (which do not include Mr. Zelaya or Mr. Micheletti) are the way forward.

It boggles my mind that the United States is disregarding the constitution of a historical ally and the role of free and fair elections. Even worse, it furthers the regional goals of Mr. Chavez, an emerging tyrant who, not content just to oppress his own people, is an enemy of U.S. and civilized values and wants to spread his poison across an entire hemisphere.

- Rep. Doug Lamborn (R, CO), Washington Times

Frommer's new Honduras guide

Frommer's has just debuted a new travel guide to Honduras.

Nicholas Gill, author of the first edition of "Frommer's Honduras" ($16.49 at Amazon.com), says the Central American country has "a little bit of everything: beaches, active adventures, historical sites, indigenous cultures, wildlife and laidback getaways."

Vilma Morales: Guaymuras Talks "have advanced 90%"

We have advanced 90% in the dialogue. We have started discussing the central point [what to do about Zelaya] and on Wednesday we will continue posing different scenarios and alternatives.

- Vilma Morales, a negotiator for the Interim Government. Ms. Morales is a former Chief Magistrate of the Honduran Supreme Court and a hero of June 28.

So far, the sides have agreed that there would be a unity government; no amnesties; Zelaya would end efforts to rewrite the constitution and November 29 elections would not be pushed forward.

They also have agreed that a commission would be put in place to monitor implementation of the deal; that the military would come under the authority of the electoral commission until elections are held; and that the international community would be asked to drop sanctions against Honduras that followed the coup.

Source: AFP.

pod of whales near Guanaja

In an unusual occurrence, a pod of pilot whales has been spotted near Roatan's sister island, Guanaja. Sadly, it appears the leader of the pod is ill (or disoriented) and wants to beach itself, which usually results in the entire pod beaching and dying. Locals are trying to keep the whales off the beach while marine biologists can come to the scene from Roatan. Hopefully this will have a good outcome.

Photo and source: El Heraldo.

this says it all

This alleged traitor's actions have resulted in immense suffering for the Honduran people.

Te cagaste en nuestro país, miserable. Ojalá y esta noche tú sueño sea interrumpido por los llantos de los cientos de miles de niños hondureños que hoy están pasando hambre por tú culpa. Ojalá y esta noche sientas en forma colectiva toda la incertidumbre y la ansiedad que agobia a ocho millones de hondureños, también culpa de tus delirios chavistas. Ojalá y esta noche percibas en tu consciencia todo el odio y el repudio que te tiene el 90% del noble pueblo hondureño por habernos metido en esta pesadilla burlesca y obscena.

Hubble: galactic collision

What happens when two massive spiral galaxies — each with a hundred billion stars — slam into each other head-on at hundreds of kilometers per second?

Beauty.

- Discover Magazine [click image to see larger version]

Guaymuras Talks continue today

The OAS-sponsored talks to find a solution to the Honduran political crisis enter a crucial phase today as the main point of contention is put on the table: the restitution of Manuel Zelaya to the presidency. The zelayistas insist this point is "non-negotiable," while the Micheletti administration has made it clear that there is absolutely no way Zelaya can be returned to the presidency as he was legally deposed (see here and here) for multiple violations of the Constitution and Honduran laws in his attempt to perpetuate himself in power. Hopefully a middle ground can be found that allows Hondurans to put behind them this unfortunate and extremely harmful situation that began with Manuel Zelaya's actions against the Constitution.

Cato Institute: "it wasn't a coup"

What happened in Honduras on June 28 was not a military coup. It was the constitutional removal of a president who abused his powers and tried to subvert the country's democratic institutions in order to stay in office.

- Juan Carlos Hidalgo,  Cato Institute

the pool page

The new pool page on Paya Bay Resort's website is hot!

It only gets better!

the Honduran "Plan B"

A successful resolution to the Guaymuras Dialogue should ensure: the resignation, after the election, of Mr. Micheletti and renunciation by Mr. Zelaya of his intention to be restored as president; the succession, as provided by the constitution, of a caretaker president between election day and inauguration day; a conciliation government representing all segments of civil society; and most importantly, binding commitments to a series of constitutional and economic reforms aimed at more equitable distribution of wealth.

- Lanny Davis, Wall Street Journal

This is a great editorial. More info on Mr. Davis.