Honduras Readmitted to OAS

The Organization of American States (OAS) voted last Wednesday, June 1, to readmit Honduras to its organization two years after Honduras' membership was suspended due to a coup which led to the ouster of President Zelaya.  President Zelaya was accused of trying to extend his term beyond lawful limits through a popular referendum.  Many countries initially condemned the coup, but have since established relations with the new Honduran government.  Zelaya was finally allowed to return to the country last Saturday as one of the conditions of Honduras' readmission to the OAS.

The OAS vote was 32-1 with Ecaudor the only country opposing the action.  Ecuador expressed concern about the lack of investigation and punishment of human rights abuses committed during and after the coup. While other States agreed more needs to be done to improve Honduras' human rights record, they also expressed the belief that they could more effectively assert pressure Honduras and hold it accountable if Honduras were readmitted to the international community.

(cgb)