OAS condemns "harassment" against Brazilian Embassy in Honduras

Fernando Sánchez

Friday, Oct. 23

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) issued a statement condemning ongoing "harassment" by Roberto Micheletti's de facto government outside the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, where ousted President Manuel Zelaya has been taking refuge since Sept. 21. The OAS also urged talks to remain open according to the terms of the San José Agreement, a plan presented in July by Costa Rican President Óscar Arias, who was acting as the mediator in the conflict.

On Oct.21, the OAS "vigorously condemned" the "hostile actions" and "intimidation" of Micheletti's government against the occupants of the embassy reported EFE, and called for "the de facto regime to cease these actions immediately."

Brazil has recently denounced "the conditions of torture" the diplomatic compound had been subjected to, including, reported La Jornada, loud animal noises, high-decibel music, strong lights to disrupt sleep, the use of phone jamming devices and abuse directed at staff entering the headquarters.

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza told DPA that he lamented that talks in Honduras had reached a "stalemate" and said it was necessary "to make an effort to progress" within the framework established by the San José Agreement. He also made a "fervent call" not to stray from the negotiating points so as "not to lose the positive climate."

Insulza criticized the fact that Michelleti's delegation had introduced a negotiating point not included in the San José Agreement concerning the legality of the events on Jun. 28, when Zelaya was forcibly removed from office. "This proposal makes a good outcome in the dialogue impossible," said Insulza.

According to Reuters, the de facto regime's response was that "both parties have presented proposals that fall outside the San José Agreement." However, Zelaya's chief negotiator, Víctor Meza, replied, "At no time have we made any proposal unrelated to the San José Agreement."

Meanwhile, in another attempt to put pressure on the Honduran regime, reported Reuters, the United States has revoked the visas of several of Michelleti's supporters, announced U.S. State Department spokesman Charles Luoma-Overstreet.

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