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Honduras - Zelaya ousting
Zelaya blocked from landing and two supporters killed.
Article published on the 2009-07-06 Latest update 2009-07-06 14:53 TU
Soldiers and Police blocking the runway of the airport of Toncontin, Honduras, on Sunday
(Photo: Reuters )
Zelaya tried to return to the country a week after he was removed from power as tens of thousands of his supporters gathered at the heavily militarized airport in Toncontin. Shots and tear gas were fired at rock-throwing protestors and two people died according to local police.
Military trucks blocked the runways making it impossible for the ousted president's plane to land. Zelaya later told Venezuelan television he was doing everything he could to return to Honduras. “ If I had a parachute I would immediately jump out of this plane”.
He also stressed that in the following days, responsibility would fall “on the powers, particularly the United States.”
International pressure is thought to increase via aid freezes, trade blockades and ambassador withdrawals. Zelaya’s key backer, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, says he has suspended oil shipments to Honduras and the Organisation of American States (OAS) has suspended Honduras.
Interim leaders say they have put forward an dialogue offer with the OAS although interim president Roberto Micheletti said that no one would pressure him.
He and his government have so far failed to convince any foreign government that the coup was a “constitutional succession”.
 Violence flares as Zelaya's plane is turned away |
