Ousted Honduran President Plans Return

Interim Leader Says Zelaya Will be Arrested

With strong political backing from the international community, ousted Honduran president Manual Zelaya plans to return to Honduras.

The country's interim leader, Roberto Micheletti, says that the only way Zelaya will return is through a "foreign invasion." Micheletti also stated that if Zelaya enters the country, he will be arrested.

Honduras Coup Leaders Refuse to Back Down

Leaders from across the globe gave Micheletti and his followers 72 hours to give up the presidency. However, Micheletti remained firm to continue his term of office until January. Zelaya delayed his return after threats were made by the interim leaders to have him arrested if he enters Honduras.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Micheletti said that "no one can make me resign," openly defying the demands of the United Nations (UN), Organization of American States (OAS), the United States and other leaders to reinstate Zelaya.

"He can no longer return to the presidency of the republic unless a president from another Latin American country comes and imposes him using guns," said Micheletti, who shrugged off intense international pressure.

Micheletti's refusal to back down has left his interim government and the country virtually isolated politically, economically and even militarily. Venezuela has suspended subsidized oil bound for Honduras, while the United States temporarily suspended military operations between the two countries. Worldwide support was given to Zelaya instead.

However, in return for international support and to ease political tensions in Honduras, Zelaya promised not to continue his pressure for a national referendum to rewrite the constitution.

Controversy over Zelaya

Despite international backing, Zelaya remains a controversial person. During his presidency, he portrayed himself as a champion of the poor, constantly attacking the rich in Honduras. Ironically, Zelaya is a wealthy rancher.

Furthermore, Zelaya has been accused by the opposition of smuggling drugs through the country, although he denies it.

Zelaya's government struggled from the beginning. Despite promises to fight corruption and crime, the latter has dogged his government, resulting in the resignation of several of his ministers. His refusal to submit his government's budget to Congress last year only fueled further accusations that his allies are stealing from the coffers. In addition, violence has increased to 25 percent from 2007 to 2008, making Honduras one of Latin America's deadliest countries.

In regards to social and ecnomic reforms, his government struggled to effectively impose them. For instance, he doubled the minimum wage, but most businesses have refused to pay it, reasoning that they are unable to do so due to the global financial crisis. Whether this is an actual reason or merely an excuse is open to debate.

He further alienated himself by disputing with the media, accusing them of criticizing his government for personal gain. His attempt to control the media by forcing them to broadcast his speeches on a daily basis have sparked fears of repression of freedom of speech.

These setbacks resulted in him alienating everyone arond him, including members of his own party. However, the military coup showed that Zelaya still had much support from the poor, but why?

There are two indications as to why many people still support him:

1. Despite some setbacks, some of his reforms have gone through to help the poor, thereby keeping his promise
2. Many people blame his setbacks on the rich and powerful, making reform difficult, as in the case of businesses refusing to pay the double minimum wage.

Regardless, unless strong evidence is present, indicating that Zelaya is guilty of corruption or if the Honduran people vote him out out of office, Zelaya will continue to receive strong support.