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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Dan Beeton, 202-239-1460

Zelaya Reported Back in Honduras: Washington Will Have to Choose Sides, Says CEPR Co-Director Mark Weisbrot

WASHINGTON

President Manuel Zelaya's
reported return to Honduras would be a significant move and could force
an end to the political crisis that followed the June 28 coup d'etat, Mark
Weisbrot
, Co-Director of the Center
for Economic and Policy Research
, said today.

"This could be the moment of truth for the Obama administration,"
Weisbrot said. "If Zelaya is back, they will have to choose sides. It
is pretty clear that the rest of the world will stand with Zelaya, for
his return to the presidency, and for the restoration of democracy in
Honduras."

With many heads of state gathered in New York for the annual meetings
of the United Nations General Assembly, it is very likely that they
will take action in support of President Zelaya.

In response to the June 28th coup that overthrew President Zelaya, the
Organization of American States, the UN General Assembly, and other
international bodies called for the "immediate and unconditional
return" of Zelaya to the presidency. The United States response has
been somewhat more ambiguous and has varied over the ensuing months.

The de facto regime has threatened to arrest Zelaya upon his return to
the country.

"The arrest of Zelaya on dubious charges - which the regime has no
legal authority to pursue - would increase its isolation, and possibly
sanctions, from the international community," said Weisbrot.

When Zelaya attempted to return to Honduras in July, Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton denounced his actions as "reckless," saying that Zelaya
should give more time for a negotiated solution. Months later, the de
facto regime in Honduras has still rejected proposals by mediator and
Costa Rican president Oscar Arias - proposals agreed to by Zelaya.

The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) was established in 1999 to promote democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people's lives. In order for citizens to effectively exercise their voices in a democracy, they should be informed about the problems and choices that they face. CEPR is committed to presenting issues in an accurate and understandable manner, so that the public is better prepared to choose among the various policy options.

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