OAS Says Honduras Can Come Back as a Member

Here's the press statement from  Mark C. Toner, Acting Deputy Spokesman at the U.S. State Department, who today had this to say about the membership of Honduras in the Organization of American States:

We welcome the announcement by the Organization of American States (OAS) that the Principal condition for the return of Honduras to the OAS has now been met. The Honduran Supreme Court, on May 2, resolved the criminal cases against former President Zelaya in accordance with Honduran law. While the United States Government did not take a position on how these cases should be decided, we hope that their resolution will promote continued national reconciliation in Honduras.

The United States, together with all OAS Member States, suspended Honduras’ participation in the OAS in July 2009. President Lobo was democratically elected in November 2009 and took office in January 2010 helping restore democratic and constitutional order in Honduras. Since his inauguration, President Lobo has moved swiftly to pursue national reconciliation, strengthen governance, stabilize the economy, and improve human rights conditions.

The United States believes the suspension of Honduras should be immediately lifted and supports OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza’s intention to initiate consultations with member states on this issue. Full participation in the OAS would enable Honduras to benefit fully from the OAS capacity to promote human rights and good governance.

 (mew)