Tag Archives: political crisis

Congress Discusses Amnesty

Congress today discussed the general amnesty project, and reviewed the draft of a decree for general amnesty for political crimes for all persons who participated in the events taking place on June 28, 2009.

The draft decree contains a political pardon for former President Manuel Zelaya Rosales, the people who participated in the resistance, and others involved who have been accused of political crimes. The crimes that have been outlined are those relating to the change of government and sedition, among others.

President-elect Porfirio Lobo Sosa wants the decree passed so he can start a new period of government and national reconciliation.

In the current draft, the law stipulates no leniency for ordinary crimes such as corruption, embezzlement and illicit enrichment, crimes for which several former officials have been required to show up in court. These trials will follow their natural course of events.

The draft Law for General Amnesty for political offenses is to be sent to a commission of opinion to be adopted.

Businesses Honor Micheletti

The National Association of Industrialists (ANDI) in a special event today, conducted a private ceremony to honor President Roberto Micheletti.

In the house of ANDI’s President, Adolfo Facusse, the Honduran President and his wife, Siomara Micheletti, were joined by a group of commanders of the Armed Forces, led by General Romeo Vasquez Velasquez, for the event.

Mr. Facusse said Micheletti is a patriot, and the first hero of Honduras in the XXI century. Faccuse mentioned the difficult time last year when he lived in the U.S. and his visa was revoked for defending democracy in Honduras. Adolfo also said during his speech that Micheletti will go down in both world and Honduras history. 
 


President Micheletti thanked ANDI for the plaque of recognition, but said the defense of democracy in Honduras involved several groups. “This was not one person.” He highlighted the role played by the Armed Forces, National Police, and “men and women nationwide who had the courage to confront the situation.”

He recalled when he was sworn in as president to replace the ousted Manuel Zelaya,
“I had no doubt that I had the support of the people of the Armed Forces, the Police … but more … most importantly God was with us,” said the President. He stated that even when the international community turned its back to Honduras, the National Congress was brave to make corresponding decisions.

Micheletti called for reconciliation among Hondurans. “I say again, and I repeat several times, it is easy to govern a country as noble as Honduras, and it is easy to govern a country where they have respect.”

“I only say that it has been an arduous task” …”I want to thank here publicly, my team of workers, the Armed Forces, the police, the whole team of government, especially the Foreign Minister and the Deputy Foreign Minister, for this fight, even though we had no backing from other countries,” the president said.

He thanked the administrators and financial workers of the State that did “an incredible job” amid the political crisis.

Micheletti also stated it was the “obligation” of any government to support private enterprise which provides work and development for the country.

Military Commanders Believe in Justice

The head of the Armed Forces (AA FF), Romeo Vasquez, responded yesterday to questions on the charges that were brought against the Honduran military commanders. Vasquez said that, “we submit to justice and believe in the Honduran justice system.”

Questioned about the arguments presented to the court, said he would leave those comments in the hands of their lawyers, because it is a very serious situation they face. However, he clarified that “we have always been trying to protect the lives of Hondurans”.

Vasquez Velasquez referred to the fact that in every mission, they calculate and include the risks of likely casualties … “what is wanted in any case (mission) is that there is no dead.” … “We are soldiers, not murderers,” Vasquez stated.

The military leaders are under indictment because they sent Manuel Zelaya to Costa Rica when ordered to arrest him. In the past, the leaders have said it was a “necessity” to prevent an outbreak of violence.