United Nations Radio

A UN expert group is expressing concern that former paramilitaries from Colombia are working in Honduras in the wake of the crisis involving deposed President Manuel Zelaya.

Honduras

The United Nations Working Group on the use of mercenaries says there are reports that Honduran landowners have recruited approximately 40 former members of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) to protect properties and individuals from further violence between supporters of the de facto government and those of the deposed President following the coup d'etat in June.

The five experts also say other sources mention that a group of some 120 paramilitaries from several countries in the region is also in Honduras to support the coup.

They urge the Honduran authorities "to take all practical measures to prevent the use of mercenaries within its territory and to fully investigate allegations concerning their presence and activities."

President Zelaya and several supporters have sought refuge in the Brazilian embassy in the capital, Tegucigalpa.

Dianne Penn, United Nations Radio
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