Honduras

Talks break down as US pushes for conclusion

Article published on the 2009-07-20 Latest update 2009-07-20 10:54 TU

Deposed Honduran president Manuel Zelaya speaks to the press on 19 July in Managua
(Photo: Reuters)

Talks in Costa Rica between Honduras's rival governments broke down late Sunday night after the de facto government rejected a proposal that ousted leader Manuel Zelaya return as head of a "reconciliation" government. Costa Rican President and Nobel prize winner Oscar Arias had put forth the plan, warning that Honduras was at the brink of "civil war and bloodshed".

De facto government leader Roberto Micheletti took offense at Arias' use of the words "civil war" while de facto deputy Foreign Minister Martha Lorena Alvarado accused Arias of creating a "near-panic" situation.

The United States was quick to commend the failed talks, saying that the discussion between the parties "produced significant progress", according to a statement from acting US State Department Spokesman Robert Wood.

"We call on the parties to the talks to reflect on the progress made so far, and to commit themselves to their successful conclusion," said Wood.

Arias asked that the parties take a 72-hour break and then return to the bargaining table. Both sides may return Wednesday, but there was no firm declaration made.

Neither Zelaya nor Micheletti were in Costa Rica for the negotiations.

"We have started organising internal resistance for my return to the country," Zelaya told reporters in Nicaragua, where he has been based since being deposed by the army on 28 June.

The de facto government has promised to arrest Zelaya if he sets foot in Honduras, while Zelaya supporters have called for a two-day strike later his week.