Honduras

Rights curb decree lifted

Article published on the 2009-10-06 Latest update 2009-10-06 13:48 TU

Honduras' de facto leader Roberto Micheletti answers a question during a news conference at the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa on Monday
(Photo: Reuters)

Honduras's coup-backed government has lifted a decree restricting civil rights ahead of a mission by the Organisation of American States (OAS). In Washington, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says that the US is working to make elections possible.

"We've abolished the decree in the Council of Minsters," de facto leader, Roberto Micheletti announced on Monday. The move is being hailed as a step towards dialogue with deposed President Manuel Zelaya.

Zelaya has been holed up in the Brazilian embassy in the capital, Tegucigalpa, since his surprise return to the country three weeks ago.

Micheletti imposed the decree just after Zelaya's return using it to shut down two opposition media outlets and stamp out protests by his supporters.

He says the decree has been lifted because calm is returning to the country and because of international criticism.

Zelaya wanted it to be lifted ahead of talks between members of the two camps brokered by the Organsation of American States which is to send a mission to the country in two days time.

These talks will discuss a proposal put forward by Costan Rican President Oscar Ariasa, which includes Zelaya's reinstatement for a brief period before an election for his successor.

Micheletti has rejected the idea on the grounds that it would return Zelaya to power. But, after taking legal advice, he has hinted that he might accept it.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton told CNN television on Monday that she wants to see the political crisis resolved and the country returned to the path of democracy,