Bearing weapons to be banned during Honduran elections

[Judi Lynn]

Bearing weapons to be banned during Honduran elections
2009-11-24 13:02:50

TEGUCIGALPA, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Honduran police started on Monday to enforce a ban on the bearing of weapons in public during the country's upcoming elections on Nov. 29.

"Any person caught bearing arms during the elections will have them confiscated," police spokesman Orlin Cerrato said on Monday, adding that the weapons could be returned to their owners later.

"Obviously those who bear prohibited arms, will be punished according to our domestic laws," the official said.

The ban will last until early December when official results of the elections would be released.

Honduras will hold elections on Nov. 29 to choose a president, 128 deputies for Congress, 20 for the Central American Parliament and 298 mayors.

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya issued a statement on Monday urging the international community not to recognize the elections. He has been staying in the Brazilian embassy in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa since he secretly returned to the country late September.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/24/content_12530326.htm