Gen. Romeo Vasquez Velasquez, the military’s top commander was “relieved of his duties” by President Zelaya last night.
The General had stated that the armed forces would not support a constitutional referendum on Sunday, and spoke with reporters today in Tegucigalpa after being dismissed.
“We are soldiers, and we have to comply with our responsibilities,” Vasquez said early Thursday.
“We are not afraid of any judge. We are only afraid of the judge of history.”
He said he could not violate a Supreme Court order that came through last week that prohibited the military from supporting the referendum. He also said the military is caught in a difficult situation. The Honduran Supreme Court ruled that the referendum Zelaya wants is illegal, but Zelaya is pushing it to happen, and demanded the armed forces provide security.
The heads of the army, navy and air force all resigned in recognition and support for General Vasquez.
The armed forces were placed on high alert on Wednesday, and held training exercises to prepare for civil disturbances and urban warfare, but there has been no need for any military intervention thus far.
All protests throughout the country have been peaceful.
David Matamoros, a member of the nation’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, said on Televicentro that the election panel will support the military.
3 responses so far ↓
1 angellizeth // Jun 28, 2009 at 10:01 am
I’m from Honduras. It was about time somebody did something regarding this clown, who receives orders directly from Chavez! The Honduras military doesn’t want to stay in power, they are going to swear the President of the Congress as New president. They’re not naming a Junta to rule Honduras. The congress, the Judiciary System, The Business people, The CATHOLIC CHURCH and other Religious denominations where against what this clown wanted to do!!! Nobody CAN DENY THAT. I’m happy that we are not going to be the next Cuba or Venezuela!!! VIVA HONDURAS
2 Ana // Jun 28, 2009 at 10:54 am
Honduras were saved from Zelaya that wants another Bolivia, where we are terrorized,Cubans and Venezuelas run this country and Morales do no make any decitions that are not order by Chavez, our militars are cowwards and the Judges from the Supreme have resignesd or are accusded my Morales and not able to work.
3 Ousted Honduras Official: US Played Role in Coup -- News from Antiwar.com // Aug 16, 2009 at 6:16 pm
[...] and the courts over the constitutionality of a referendum he had scheduled. The coup also came just days after Zelaya attempted to oust the top military commander, also in a dispute over the [...]