U.S. pushing for Honduras election breakthrough

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The United States led a high-powered diplomatic effort in Honduras Wednesday, aiming to secure a breakthrough in the talks between the de facto government of Roberto Micheletti and supporters of ousted President Jose Manuel Zelaya.

As the Organization of American States remained skeptical about the outcome, U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Craig Kelly flew into the Honduran capital in a renewed bid to get the two sides talking again.

Presidential elections are scheduled for Nov. 29 while Zelaya remains holed up in the Brazilian Embassy. Critics of Micheletti say the poll would have no legitimacy unless Zelaya is reinstated and presides over the vote.

Zelaya was overthrown by Micheletti and forced out of Honduras at gunpoint on June 28. He sneaked back into the country in September and has conducted his campaign for reinstatement from the Brazilian Embassy.

The United States has backed Zelaya's reinstatement to ensure his successor is elected in a legitimate framework, but as the vote approaches and a compromise eludes the rival sides, mediation is getting bogged down in the mechanics of a compromise that will ensure the poll is recognized as legitimate internationally. The coup and the resulting wrangle have isolated Honduras and damaged its economy.

At the State Department in Washington, Assistant Secretary of State Philip J. Crowley told reporters the Obama administration was seeking a resolution of the crisis to ensure "a free and fair election on Nov. 29 that both the United States, Honduras, the region could stand behind."

He hoped the election would "lead to the installation of a new government that the people of Honduras can support and can heal this divide."

Zelaya and supporters say they will not accept any election as legitimate unless he is reinstated as president before the polling takes place.

Crowley said, "Honduras has suffered through over several months. We understand that this is a very emotional issue," which is why the United States has been closely involved with trying to resolve the crisis.

Micheletti and his supporters say Zelaya's ouster was constitutional and accuse him of abusing power by attempting to hold a referendum that would have changed the constitution and allowed Zelaya a longer term in office. Zelaya's supporters deny the charge and want Micheletti and his de facto government to withdraw from the scene.

"The only path out of this is through an electoral process," Crowley said. If the election process takes place as scheduled, "the people of Honduras get to speak and you have a new government that can go about the work of serving the needs of its people." Central to the U.S.-backed proposals is the demand for Zelaya to be restored to his presidential seat before the election takes place. His term expires early next year.