Members of U.S. Congress Warn Hondurans New Elections Won't Be Recognized Unless Conflict is Resolve

[Judi Lynn]

Members of U.S. Congress Warn Hondurans New Elections Won't Be Recognized Unless Conflict is Resolved
20 mins ago

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) praised six senior Members of the U.S. Congress for their open letter to the Honduran Congress reminding Honduran authorities that without political progress in ending the crisis caused by the coup against President Zelaya the U.S. will not recognize the winner of that country's upcoming presidential elections.

"This timely letter speaks in clear and compelling language to the coup government and its supporters in the Honduran Congress," Sarah Stephens, executive director of the CDA said. "Unless the coup is ended, President Zelaya is restored, and violations of democracy and human rights are halted, no presidential election conducted in that environment will be recognized as free or fair or legitimate by the United States government and its senior leaders.

The letter signed by Representatives James McGovern, Bill Delahunt, Sam Farr, Gregory Meeks, Janice Schakowsky, and Xavier Becerra was sent to Honduras as four Republican Members of the Congress visited interim President Micheletti and communicated their support for the coup.

"Honduras's interim government should pay attention not to rump groups seeking publicity, but to senior Members of the Congress who stand with the Obama administration on behalf of democracy, diplomacy, and dialogue. We believe Honduras should act quickly and decisively to end this crisis and avoid entering a new presidency with this odious cloud hanging over its government."

More:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20091002/pl_usnw/members_of_u_s__congress_warn_hondurans_new_elections_won_t_be_recognized_unless_conflict_is_resolved