Asia-Pacific

Honduran Congress debate restitution of Zelaya

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-12-03 09:19

Supporters of Honduras' ousted President Manuel Zelaya shout support for him outside the National Congress during a session to discuss his reinstatement, in Tegucigalpa December 2, 2009. [Agencies]

TEGUCIGALPA: The National Congress of Honduras was summoned on Wednesday to decide on the restitution of the deposed president, Manuel Zelaya.

Dozens of Zelaya supporters took the entrances to the Congress, guarded by the military since Tuesday to avoid disturbances.

The Tegucigalpa-San Jose agreement signed on October 30, sponsored by the United States, provides that the Congress must decide on Zelaya's restitution.

However, the constitutional president said the deal is a "dead letter," adding that he will ignore it since he was not restored before the Sunday elections in Honduras.

Congress President Alfredo Saveedra told the press that he "could not say what will happen because each Member will issue an opinion independently."

The Christian Democrat party deputy Ramon Nazar said: "The most logical is that there is no restitution because Zelaya's legal status has not changed since June 28 (when the coup occurred)."

Last week, the Supreme Court of Justice submitted a legal opinion to Congress, which states that Zelaya will first of all respond to Justice for at least 18 criminal charges.

Zelaya's collaborator, Carlos Eduardo Reina, said at a press conference that Zelaya has refused any restitution if conditions are applied, and that he should govern for six months before finishing his term.

On Wednesday morning, the Honduran Congress initiated the meeting and conducted discussions with members representing the five political parties in the country.