Brussels, 30/10/2009 (Agence Europe) - European External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has expressed her great satisfaction at the agreement reached in Honduras which could bring to an end the political crisis in the country since the coup on 28 June. The Commission and member states are considering the contribution the EU could make towards consolidating the agreement, the Commissioner said.
Ferrero-Waldner added that she hoped that the Honduras institutions would confirm their acceptance of all the points in the agreement as quickly as possible. The agreement, due to be put to the Congress for approval, provides for: - the possible return to power of ousted President Manuel Zelaya; - the formation of a reconciliation government; - presidential elections on 29 November.
The Commissioner said that the European Commission would do all it could to support this process, and especially to ensure that the presidential election on 29 November is fully transparent and complies with international standards.
Zelaya was forced out of power on 28 June, just before a referendum, judged by Roberto Micheletti (the now de facto president of Honduras) and the majority of Congress to be in violation of the constitution, on whether he should be allowed to stand for a further term of office. After returning illegally to Honduras on 21 September, Zelaya has since then been given haven in the Brazilian Embassy. (L.C./transl.rt)