PREVIEW: Honduras suspension tops agenda as OAS meets in Lima

[Judi Lynn]

PREVIEW: Honduras suspension tops agenda as OAS meets in Lima
By Jan-Uwe Ronneburger Jun 5, 2010, 9:03 GMT

Buenos Aires/Lima - A year ago, the general assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) met in Honduras, where they opened the door to readmitting Cuba after its 47-year-old suspension - pending its support of OAS' democratic principles.

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya greeted the move as a 'reunion of the Americas,' saying: 'The Cold War ended today in San Pedro Sula.'

Zelaya clearly spoke too soon.

Only 25 days after that historic meeting, on June 28, 2009, the conservative-turned-leftist Zelaya was ousted by a military-backed coup. The other 33 active OAS members promptly suspended the Central American country.

Honduras' own readmission will be the hot topic of this year's general assembly sessions in Lima Sunday to Tuesday. But it's almost certain that Honduras will not even get an offer like that which was extended to Cuba a year ago.

Most Latin American countries do not recognize the government of Zelaya's successor Porfirio Lobo, who was elected in November. And readmission requires 75 per cent support among members.

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http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1560969.php/PREVIEW-Honduras-suspension-tops-agenda-as-OAS-meets-in-Lima