Community of Democraties

Community of Democracies Statement on the Situation in Honduras

Community of Democracies Statement on the Situation in Honduras

Recalling the Statement approved by the Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Democracies on July 12, 2009,

Expressing its grave concerns for the political situation in Honduras, a participant of the Community of Democracies, and the overthrow of its constitutionally elected President,

Reaffirming its commitment to respect and uphold the specific principles and provisions agreed to in the Community of Democracies Conferences and implement actions thereof, and in particular, its Resolve jointly to cooperate to discourage and resist the threat to democracy posed by the overthrow of constitutionally elected governments,

Welcoming the pronouncements on the matter by the United Nations General Assembly, the Organization of American States and the European Union, as well as states participating in the Community of Democracies,

Reiterates its condemnation of the overthrow of the constitutionally elected President of the Republic of Honduras, Mr Jose Manuel Zelaya, and calls for the restoration of democratic order, human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Affirms its full support for the San Jose Accord process led by the President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sanchez, as well as the efforts of the Organization of American States, to reach a peaceful, negotiated solution to restore democratic and constitutional order in Honduras,

In the light of the return of President Jose Manuel Zelaya to Tegucigalpa, calls on all relevant actors and institutions to refrain from  violence, to respect human rights and to strive to find a swift, negotiated and peaceful solution to the current situation.

Stresses the absolute need for the de-facto government in Honduras to fully respect the inviolability of the Embassy of Brazil in Tegucigalpa.

New York

September 24, 2009