Insulza Is Welcome In Honduras as Observer

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Heldback by an initial rejection of a convoy of peacemaking foreign ministers, theOrganization of American States (OAS) is regrouping to send the samerepresentatives to Honduras on Monday.

Thegroup will enter Honduras with the mission of passing the San José Agreement, anaccord drafted during peace negotiations in Costa Rica.

SincePresident Manuel Zelaya was ousted on June 28, Honduras has faced trade sanctionsand reductions in foreign aid.

TheHonduran de facto government initially rejected the delegation – which wascomposed of representatives from the OAS, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica Argentinaand the Dominican Republic – because of the presence of Insulza, whom theHondurans claim is biased. However, they have since said that they would acceptInsulza, as long as he does not participate in negotiations, a preconditionInsulza has since agreed to.

Ina press release on Tuesday, Insulza insisted that he would accompany thedelegation. “The OAS Secretary General is mandated by the General Assembly tocarry out the steps that are necessary,” Insulza said, adding that the assemblyurged the secretary general “along with representatives from several designatedcountries, to intensify all efforts to promote diplomatic initiatives” in thesearch for a solution for the conflict in Honduras.

Followinga meeting with representatives of the de facto government on Thursday, Insulzasaid, “We had a very long, very interesting and, I think, constructive conversation.I hope this will benefit the mission going to Honduras soon.”

Inthe meantime, thousands of Zelaya supporters continue demonstrations in the streetsof Tegucigalpa in shows of solidarity with the deposed president.

–Chrissie Long