OAS: Any Honduran deal must restore ousted leader

OAS: Any Honduran deal must restore ousted leader
By JUAN CARLOS LLORCA
The Associated Press
Friday, August 28, 2009; 4:52 PM

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- The head of the Organization of American States closed the door Friday on a compromise offered by Honduras' interim leader because it would not restore the president ousted in a coup.

OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza warned there will be no agreement to end Honduras' crisis unless Manuel Zelaya returns to the presidency.

The interim government "has not ceded on one of the principal points, which is the return of President Zelaya. And we are also not going to cede on that issue," Insulza said in an interview with Chile's La Tercera newspaper. "Therefore, until there is a consensus on that, there will be no agreement. Zelaya must return as president of Honduras."

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Micheletti has said he does not fear sanctions, and officials in his government have expressed hope that international pressure will soften after the Nov. 29 presidential election, which was scheduled before the coup.

Insulza warned that would not likely happen. He said at least 22 OAS member countries would have to vote to lift Honduras' suspension from the bloc before recognizing the outcome of the election.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/28/AR2009082802893.html