Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

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.