To Defend Democracy, U.S. Must Call the Coup

The leaders of Honduras's military coup recently rebuffed a high-level delegation from the Organization of American States by once again refusing to allow the return of constitutional President Manuel Zelaya. As the international community throws up its hands at the coup's intransigence, the U.S. State Department is sitting on its hands.

Two months after Zelaya was forcibly exiled in an Armed Forces plane to Costa Rica, the de facto regime has outlived predictions amid unanimous international condemnation. Coup leader Roberto Micheletti told OAS Secretary General Jose Insulza, "We are not afraid of sanctions from anyone. We have concluded that this country can move forward without the help of you or other countries."

Days later, Micheletti qualified that statement. He admitted that the one country that has the power to make the illegal regime feel the pain is the United States. Honduras sends 70% of its exports to the U.S. market, remittances from Hondurans in the U.S. make up nearly a fourth of the GDP and U.S. aid and investment is crucial to the national economy.

As the crisis drags on, criticisms mount that continued U.S. government delays in cutting off economic support contribute to the coup's defiance of international law and doplomacy. The U.S. State Department has not issued a formal statement to Congress acknowledging the military coup in Honduras. Under Section 7008 of the U.S. Foreign Operations Bill, such a declaration mandates an immediate suspension of most aid until rule of law is restored.

Although Honduras is a small, impoverished nation that plays a relatively minor role in U.S. geopolitical strategy, the issues at stake make it a test case for a new foreign policy based on the principles of democracy and rule of law. The Obama administration's initial response showed some major shifts from the foreign policy of its predecessor. By condemning the coup against Zelaya, a left-leaning leader in the hemisphere, it placed democratic principles above ideological criteria and showed a commitment to working within multilateral organizations to resolve the crisis.

Since then the U.S. position has begun to unravel. After the mediation efforts supported by Sec. of State Hillary Clinton broke down, the State Department still refused to act decisively. Millions of dollars in U.S. taxpayer money continue to flow to the coup regime through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, USAID and other aid. Some military aid has been cut off but other aid and training programs continue as if nothing had happened.

This lack of firm action on the part of the U.S. government feeds criticism and contributes to the volatile situation in Honduras. As the State Department ponders supposed legal issues, I heard testimony from women who had been beaten and raped by police and military forces on a recent international delegation for women's human rights. A mission of the Inter-American Human Rights Commission the same week documented four assassinations and violations of freedom of expression, freedom of movement, arbitrary detentions and excessive use of force in repressing public demonstrations.

The U.S. government has not responded to documented human rights violations in Honduras.

On Sept. 1, electoral campaigns began in the country. Under the coup regime, Honduras does not comply with even minimal conditions to carry out democratic elections. Many grassroots organizations have vowed to boycott any coup-sponsored elections. Brazil and Mexico issued a joint statement on Aug. 17 agreeing "not to recognize the authorities currently in office as result of a violation of the constitutional internal order or any result of elections not held by the legitimate government." The U.S. has not announced its position.

The U.S. government bears a particular responsibility to avoid a repeat scenario of Central America's dark, dictatorial past--or eruption of all-out war--in Honduras. It's past actions of supporting dictatorships and the Iran-Contra affair based in Honduras create understandable suspicions among Latin Americans, at a time when President Obama promised a new era of "equal partnerships." There can be no "equal partnership" with a coup regime.

The State Department must immediately send the required notice to Congress designating the coup in Honduras and cutting off funds and support. The Obama administration must also freeze assets of coup members, who have been spending down the coffers of the poverty-stricken country to repress defenders of democracy.

The message to Honduras and the world must be crystal clear: the United States does not support military coup d'états in this Hemisphere or anywhere else in the world.

Follow Laura Carlsen on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tortuga7

Comments

[thorntme]

Our Secretary of State has her knickers somewhere up around her head. She doesn't see the pressure and influence that Venezuelan petrodollars extert on the impoverished countries of Central and South America. It's only too easy to subvert fragile democracies such as those of Honduras, Ecuador, and Bolivia with the promise of "assistance." Chavez is Zelaya's mentor and benefactor and he's coaching Zelaya to use the same methodology he used to subvert the Venezuelan constitution.

Chavez-style socialism is an outmoded 19th political philosophy that has been thoroughly tried and tested in the real world and found to be an abysmal failure. My heart goes out to the people of Honduras who will now be required to endure economic sanctions of the type properly inflicted only on countries that would do us harm - North Korea, Iran and the like.

[douglaslagos]

Billy Hell:

In regards to HRW and AmnestyUSA, you are correct. There have been abuses agains Zelaya's supporters. But, these two institutions do not show any of the abuses done by Zelaya's supporters, such as breaking and entering private businesses, cars and buses, beating up anti-Zelaya supporters, graffiti on private homes and buildings, defacing billboards, destroying local Dunkin Donuts and Popeye's restaurants to the point where these have to be completely rebuilt from the inside. But, my guess, is that some of you may call these criminals - freedom warriors!

What has Zelaya done for the "people" in over 3 1/2 years? Wage increases? Since, the wage increase was approved by the Supreme Court (yes, the same court that ruled against the "poll" and issued his arrest warrant), only private businesses have increased the wages. Public - yes, government, entities were still paying the old wages, and many were owed 2-3 months in back pay! Since, Zelaya was exiled, the new government has instituted the wage increase to apply to all government employees and is paying all of its workers on time! The reason for government employees, and police being paid less during Zelaya's government? Zelaya had not provided Congress with the 2009 budget. Additionally, Zelaya had not signed the increases, yet stipulated that the increases did not apply to government employees!

To say that the current politicians are saviors or saints is not correct. But Zelaya was neither of those either!

[douglaslagos]

Billy Hell:

Which human rights groups are you referring to? The OAS groups presided by Venezuelan nationals? The UN groups headed by Nicaraguan communists?
In my thinking, any commission headed by Venezuela or Nicaragua is automatically disqualified. It would almost be like having a Nazi heading a commission in search of attrocities at a WWII jewish death camp!
Please be more specific.
One small comment, did you know that the OAS human rights group's only position was to search for any wrong doing from the police and military. When approached by pro-Micheletti followers, whom were beaten and threatened by pro-Zelaya goons, the OAS officials told them that, that, was not their reason for being there. Thus, the OAS and UN have a double standard as to whom's rights are being broken. The beatings and threats by the pro-Micheletti followers have been given to the media, filed with police and with the national human rights organization. The OAS and UN will have none of it!
One link about it is here, I can provide more if any of you wish. http://www.topix.net/world/honduras/2009/08/oas-human-rights-commission-refuses-complaints

[Billy Hell]

Douglas, what you're saying is propaganda which you either have an interest in disseminating or have been taken in by. Nazi's and Communists?

Try Amnesty International

http://www.amnestyusa.org/all-countries/honduras/page.do?id=1011167

Try Human Rights Watch

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/07/08/honduras-evidence-suggests-soldiers-shot-unarmed-crowd

Try to free yourself from the lies and narrow interests who most certainly do not have the best interests of the Honduran people in mind.

[Billy Hell]

A myth has already taken root about the June 28 military coup in which Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was carted off to Costa Rica: that it's been a quiet, peaceful affair and hardly anyone's been hurt. Despite enormous evidence to the contrary, many commentators are now even referring to a "bloodless coup," or, worse, suggesting that Honduras is already such a violent country that any further violence is just normal.

But human rights groups and numerous other outside observers report that at least a dozen people have been killed for their political activities since the coup, more than 3,500 detained for peacefully demonstrating, and hundreds beaten while in custody. There's plenty of blood flowing, just one indication of the massive wave of repression ripping through Honduras.

In the face of these crimes, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton need to stop equivocating and not just withdraw aid but also immediately withdraw the U.S. ambassador, freeze the bank accounts of the oligarchs running the coup and immediately restore President Manuel Zelaya to his full powers.

Most Americans are not aware that when the coup began, the military immediately occupied all major government buildings, took over hospitals, the immigration service and border enforcement, and, most ominously, superseded police and elected authorities.

Complete article at San Jose Mercury News: http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13264397?nclick_check=1

[ModernTimes1]

I support most of the Zelaya's reforms to try to improve condition of the agrarian and urban poor.
But Zelaya's autocratic action, more in line with a petty military dictators of old, than an elected official, have immeasurably. hurt the cause of Honduran democracy in general and the needed reform in particular.
Shame on Zelaya and people who cannot see ANY of his culpability in the matter.

[Ira7]

I am totally soured on Obama after this, and the only way I can figure it is that in actuality, little of substance was actually done to harm the LEGAL interim government. And Mel is still holding his hat out.

However, for Clinton to claim that they may not recognize the results of the upcoming election is OUTRAGEOUS. We have a real democracy, doing the right thing, and we're attacking THEM--and not saying a word about what's going on in VENEZUELA!?

They have no clue as to foreign policy.

[Hector Corrales]

Laura: "Although Honduras is a small, impoverished nation that plays a relatively minor role in U.S. geopolitical strategy..."

This statement shows how misunderstood this geopolitical problem really is. The magnitude of this problem is hidden to most and I have not the time nor the space to explain it so I'll just leave some thoughts that maybe you could delve into further:

1) ALBA, The Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas. It's expanding reach got as far north as to reach Honduras. Zelaya was following the same plan to get himself re-elected and join the team of strongmen dictators in Latin America.

2) Drug Trade: During Zelaya's administration, approximately two aircraft per week landed in Honduras under a Venezuelan flag. These aircraft carried mostly cocaine and a huge amount of cash (dollars). Since Zelaya's removal, not one single aircraft has landed in Honduras.

3) Iran-Venezuela: Arms deals, launching capability, geographical location in relation to the US. Colombian FARC connection funding revolutionary groups in Honduras and one political party.

The geopolitical importance of the Honduran issue is much larger when examined closely, and it is hiding something much bigger.

[Laura Carlsen - Huffpost Blogger]

I would agree with you that there is more geopolitical significance here than meets the eye. If a rightwing coup is allowed to stand, it encourages the undermining of democratic gains throughout the region. That is why it is so important to restore constitutional order, not just for Honduras, but for the Hemisphere.

Your three points show skewed and unsubstantiated reasoning. You speak of ALBA as if it were the plague, echoing terms of the New Cold Warriors like Otto Reich who believe that democracy is over-rated when it comes to left-leaning elected governments. ALBA is a series of economic agreements and Honduras' membership was voted on by Congress. There was not a single word about re-election in the national poll--but you know that. As for the other claims they are not backed up by documented facts. Many people argue the reverse--that drug operations have or will increase under the coup. But we don´t have enough information yet to make those claims responsibly.

[douglaslagos]

So, the Supreme Court has an arrest warrant issued against Mel and it gives it to the Army to arrest Zelaya.
The army has Zelaya flown out, this was wrong. They should have kept Zelaya in prison.
This is why many of you are calling it a coup. It's not a coup.
Remember...Zelaya did not have the authority for a national "poll". Even, if it was "non-binding".
You want a poll, you don't need to cast a "vote" for a poll. Unheard of! Zelaya wanted votes to be casted for his "poll" so that he could then try to force a change in the constitution.
"Now, wait a minute", you say. Even if, a new constitution is done, it would not help Zelaya. Right?
This is where history comes into action!
Chavez had a new constitution done in 6 months. Evo (Bolivia) in 3 months. Correa (Ecuador) in 1 year....oops, something went wrong here!
Skip to Zelaya. He has 3 months left in power after Nov. What? Three constitutions done, down south? Heck, I can probably just copy and paste and have it done in less than 2 months!
Now, you get the rest....
Zelaya does not have the authority to call for a vote..ahem, I mean "poll". But, he wants to force it, anyway. Hope Obama ain't taking notes.

[douglaslagos]

On Saturday, June 27, Mel got most of the ballots distributed around the country. The polls are set to open at 7AM on Sunday.
The Supreme Court voted unanimously to remove Zelaya. Congress decided to remove Zelaya.
Early Sunday at around 6AM the military arrests Zelaya and puts him on a plane to Costa Rica.
Remember Article 42? This is probably why they can go ahead and take him away.
Remember the Pajamas? Now, follow me if you would. You are holding very important elections at 7AM. You will open one of the ballot places at 7AM. Yet, at 6AM, you are still wearing your pajamas?
Strange, weird perhaps. At what time are you going to get ready and start heading out?
Not important, anyway!
Now....you know...the rest of the story!

[douglaslagos]

The heads of the Navy and Air Force, as well as the Minister of Defense resign in support of Vasquez.
The next day, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Vasquez was fired without reason and demands his reinstatement. Zelaya refused.
The ballots arrive in Honduras, on a Venezuelan flagged airplane.
The Attorney General confiscates the ballots and has them sent to a military installation.
Mel decides that if the military won't distribute the ballots, he'll get his own people to do it.
Mel gets a few busses and cars full of supporters and drive to the Air Force base that is holding the ballots. They forcibly enter the base and take the ballots. -This is breaking and entering!
The Attorney General says that the president has committed treason and asks for him to be removed from office. (This was on Friday just before the elections on Sunday).
Congress creates a commission to examine Zelaya's actions and determine if removal from office is appropriate.
The constitution does not have a clear means to impeach a sitting president. Mel has broken and entered, gone agains the Supreme Court rulings, and keeps on pushing for a change in the constitution? What to do? Keep him as a sitting president?
To be continued..........

[douglaslagos]

Mel now needs some ballots. He calls Chavez to have them printed and flown in.
Two weeks before the "poll" it gets tense.
The Supreme Court reaffirms its ruling.
The Attorney General keeps telling Mel it's a crime.
Congress tells Mel it's unconstitutional.
In Honduras, traditionally, the military handles the distribution of the ballots and voting materials. The head of the military, Romeo Vasquez Velasquez says that the military will not participate in the "poll" because of the Supreme Court ruling.
Mel promptly fires Romeo Vasquez.
To be continued......

[douglaslagos]

Mel didn't think that congress would go along with him on staying in power so he decided to call his own referendum. He does not have the authority to do his, you already know if you have read this much.

The Honduran Supreme Court says "No way Mel, you can't call a referendum. You don't have that power as a president."

Mel, or probably Chavez, figures that if he can't do it this way, he'll just change the name to a "survey" or "poll", instead! Brilliant!

Darn! The Supreme Court figures it out! They ruled unanimously that regardless of its name, if it acts like a referendum, the president can't do it. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck.....

Mel continues to talk of doing the poll on June 28, regardless of the Supreme Court.

The Attorney General analyzes the poll and determines that it is illegal. the AG reiterates many times that the poll is illegal, and takes the Mel to court, again!
To be continued......

[douglaslagos]

GrahaminCanada and all others who have not taken the time to read the facts:
The Honduran Constitution, enacted in 1982, has 378 Articles, of which 6 are cast in stone, meaning that they can NOT be changed. These 6 articles deal with defining the type of government, territory claims, and presidential term limits.
Article 42, Section 5 says that anyone who is found to incite, promote or aid in the continuation or re-election of the President would face loss of citizenship. Save it for later down the road.
Article 239 says that any official that stipulates re-election of the President shall cease from his/her post immediately.

Technicalities: Any changes to the constitution has to be initiated by the legislative branch (that's Parliament for you guys up North!). Congress has to convene a constituent assembly. That's a group of people selected by Congress to analyze any proposed changes and form those ideas into the new constitution. After these are approved, congress would approve them to be put to a national referendum (not the other way around!). The Executive branch (that's the Prime Minister to you up North) has nothing to do with that process.

To be continued......

[Laura Carlsen - Huffpost Blogger]

There are serious errors, omissions and misstatements in this version. I have been studying the legal documents and events since these arguments continue to come up despite findings of the OEA, UN and other bodies of international law. Instead of publishing rebuttals I promise to publish the full explanation by early next week in these pages. Preview--the bottom line is, whatever you think of the actions of President Zelaya, there is no justification whatsoever under Honduran law or Constitution to kidnap an elected president and forcibly exile him.

[douglaslagos]

Laura:

I've stated before, the military did not have the right to exile Zelaya. He was to be put in prison, in Honduras. But, the exile, does not make Zelaya's previous actions legal.
Zelaya broke the law. He did not have the authority to call for a national poll at the voting booths! He went against the ruling of the Supreme Court.
If you find, where he legally had the right, please let us know.

[ModernTimes1]

Article 239 — No citizen that has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or Vice-President.

Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform, as well as those that support such violation directly or indirectly, will immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years.

Zelaya was deprived of his office strictly in accordance with Constitution.
Deal with it.
Deposed President Zelaya should come back and face the judgment of the people.
Instead of muddying the waters and lying to anyone who would listen for personal power trip.

[RevBookburn]

Full measures should be taken to end the bloody coup.

[ModernTimes1]

What bloody coup are raving about? In your confusion you got it all mixed up with 60s Chile.
Supreme Court ordered an arrest of Zelaya for being a traitor and violating the Constitution. They shipped him out of country instead. Where is the blood? Where is the coup?.

[GrahamInCanada]

Ahem, the Supreme Court may or may not be able to order the arrest of the President by the police.

It is certain that the Supreme Court may not order the military to disobey the President, arrest him, or exile him.

The Honduran military executed a coup, and thinks we are all sitting in some sixties sitcom land, where we will swallow any 15 second bite that allows us to do nothing but watch Elizabeth Montgomery.

Where is the blood? The atrocities are being well documented, the whole world is watching, and the evidence is there to convict.