Honduran president's ouster is a 'coup' UN Secretariat reaffirms

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with President Jose Zelaya Rosales in September 2008.

A recent Honduran media report implying that the United Nations Department of Political Affairs (DPA) does not consider the ouster of President Jos"anuel Zelaya as a coup d'etat is inaccurate, the world body said today.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that the UN position on the legality of Mr. Zelaya's removal was clearly articulated by General Assembly Resolution 63/301 adopted on 1 July, which "condemns the coup d""t in the Republic of Honduras that has interrupted the democratic and constitutional order and the legitimate exercise of power in Honduras."

The statement calls the report "highly misleading," noting that it appears to refer to an analysis submitted by a consultant as representing DPA"s views. "The Department of Political Affairs routinely receives reports and analyses of this type from consultants, academics and other experts," it added. "But its views are strictly in line with that outlined in the General Assembly Resolution.

"The Secretary-General urges the parties in Honduras to avoid distractions at this critical moment in the negotiations and remain focused on arriving at a consensual agreement to end the crisis in Honduras through dialogue. He continues to strongly support [the Organization of American States] OAS-led efforts to assist the parties in reaching a solution," it concluded.