Illinois Congressman Calls On Honduran Gov't To Allow Zelaya Back In Country

By Meagan Wiseley - University of New Mexico, Talk Radio News Service

In a press conference Thursday, Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) said that according to a report written by the Library of Congress, the removal of former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was not a coup, and was, in fact, legal according to the Honduran Constitution.

“The nonpartisan Congressional Research Service concluded that the removal of former President Zelaya was Constitutional, and we must respect that," said Schock.

The report determined that while Zelaya's removal from power was legal, his removal from the country was illegal.

Shock believes Zelaya, who is being held in a Brazilian Embassy, should be released and allowed re-entry into Honduras.

"I call on the Honduran government to issue a general amnesty for everyone involved, including Manuel Zelaya, in his removal from power. With that said, that will require Manuel Zelaya and his supporters to obey the law and not advocate insurrection, the violent overthrow of the government or insight violence," Schock said.

Schock intends to work with the Honduran government to ensure that Zelaya is allowed back into Honduras and given the rights and responsibilities of a free citizen.

Comments

[Jeff Teague]

I'm an American with Honduran residency. We do not want Mel back in the country. If he is allowed back in Honduras, it should only be to face trial for the crimes he committed. The man is an opportunist that only wants power and has no concern for the country. Pres. Michiletti has been doing a very good job, even cracking down on corruption, and should be supported by the US government.

[Gabriel]

Finally someone bothered to read a HONDURAN constitutional text before judging what happend in Honduras on June 28.
I am an attorney, and to be fair and objective, I must say that I totally agree with the report of tha Library of Congress, even with the parts that describe the violations of citizen Manuel Zelaya´s rights.
Also, the Congressman´s advice is a fair one, as it constitutes part of the original San Jose Accord, and one that had a green light from Honduran Congress.
The Department of State should take this into consideration and cease immediately all actions taken in order to punish Honduras.

[Nancy]

I agree with the analysis of the Honduran situation except that Zelaya should not have been allowed back into the country unless we was arrested at the airport. Unfortunately, Chavez and his Venezuelan cohorts helped Zelaya back into the country.

I appreciate Snock's point of view but if Mel is released out in the countryside he will along with Chavez's support start an insurrection and there will be riots in the street.

[Maritza Reneau]

Congressman Schock, thank you for your interest and understanding of the situation in Honduras. And yes, the removal of Zelaya was legitimate. The procedures were not proper, because instead of sending him away, we should have kept him in Honduras. And tried him. Instead he was let go, which gave him the opportunity to concoct even worse designs for Honduras. In the full sense of the word Manuel Zelaya is a pariah and a traitor to his own country. Because of him, Honduras has suffered like never before, blood has been shed. Yet he continues to instigate insurrection. Actions like this, not even God forgives.
I am a Democrat, but I am considering becoming Republican, because President Obama has wrongly and badly treated a country that has accepted such a sacrifice to defend the future of its children.
Muchas gracias, Senor Schock.

[Bob Quasius]

This report states what many of us have thought all along.

However, as a practical matter I understand why Mel Zelaya was expelled rather than put on trial. He and his supporters would have started an insurrection and caused much bloodshed. With Mel Zelaya out of the country it was likely easier to control the situation. Just look at what happened when he returned?

Mel Zelaya can be put on trial, not over his presidency but the crimes committed as president (i.e. corruption). He deserves jail.

[Sonia]

At last!Why did Obama think he could interpret Honduran constitution better then the Supreme court of Honduras?

[Honduran]

I think somebody took the liberty to read the constitution but not entirely. The constitution states in article 82 "The right of defense is inviolable". I don't agree with what Mr. Zelaya wants but I don't agree with what was done. He had to go trial and then stripped of his position. Mr. Michelleti is a politian as is Mr. Zelaya. Don't get confused. Everything must be done right. The actual government is not legal.

[Gabriel]

According to article 239 of Honduran Constitution, anyone who even proposes to modify what is not modifiable, ceases ipso facto, from his office. It even punishes conspiracy.
The right for proper defense applies for personal issues, whether they are criminal, civil, etc., but not for office. This is a civil right and should not be confused with the rules for government organization and removal of executive officers.