United Nations Radio

Manuel Zelaya

The United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday unanimously condemned Sunday's coup d'etat in Honduras. The 192 UN Member States adopted a resolution, calling for the restoration of the democratically-elected President and constitutional Government. Bissera Kostova reports.

SFX (adoption)

NARRATOR: By an orally revised text on the "Situation in Honduras: democracy breakdown" the General Assembly decided it would recognize no Government other than that of President Jose Manuel Zelaya. The ousted President of Honduras then took the floor. He said the text expresses the indignation of Hondurans and people worldwide, who have struggled for the rights to life, freedom, justice, dignity and citizen participation.

Zelaya (v/o): This resolution is historic. It is significant and it will empower every last citizen of this world.

NARRATOR: The President of the General Assembly, Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann said he is presiding over the session with a heavy heart and deep personal outrage.

D'Escoto 1: As a Nicaraguan, I am ashamed that this coup has taken place in Central America during my Presidency here at the General Assembly. This is a throwback to another era that we had hoped was now a distant nightmare.

NARRATOR: Mr. d'Escoto Brockmann dismissed as unfounded the reasons cited by the military in Honduras for bringing down the President.

D'Escoto 2: The call for a constitutional amendment to extend presidential term limits is nothing illegitimate. Over the past fifteen years several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela have held plebiscites on such proposals.

NARRATOR: The exchange of views in the General Assembly on Monday followed a resolution passed by the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States, the OAS, that demanded the safe and unconditional return of President Zelaya to Honduras, so he can resume his constitutional functions. US Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo said the United States joined the other countries in the region in that resolution.

DiCarlo: We refuse to recognize any Government of Honduras other than the constitutionally legitimate government of President Zelaya. President Obama yesterday called on all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms and the rule of law and to resolve any tensions and disputes peacefully, through dialogue free of outside influence.

NARRATOR: President Zelaya told correspondents at UN headquarters that he would be returning to Honduras on Thursday, accompanied by the General Assembly President, the OAS Secretary-General and the Presidents of Argentina and Ecuador.

Producer: Bissera Kostova
Duration: 2'44"