Honduras vows to close Brazil embassy [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Financial Times

Honduras vows to close Brazil embassy

TEGUCIGALPA, Sept 27 – Honduras’ de facto government threatened on Sunday to close Brazil’s embassy for harbouring ousted President Manuel Zelaya and moved to suppress dissent, defying international pressure to give up power.

The government, which took power after a June 28 coup, also denied entry to an Organisation of American States delegation that had hoped to help broker a solution to the crisis.

The moves were aimed at stifling opposition and sending a clear message that it would not allow the leftist Mr Zelaya’s return to power under any circumstances, but they will also likely bring further international condemnation.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he would ignore a 10-day deadline set by de facto leader Roberto Micheletti to decide what to do with Mr Zelaya, who is holed up with his family and some supporters in Brazil’s embassy in the capital.

”Brazil will not comply with an ultimatum from a government of coup mongers,” Mr Lula told reporters at a summit of African and South American leaders in Venezuela.



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