HONDURAS: BAN VOICES CONCERN OVER REPORTED COUP

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his deep concern over the reported coup in Honduras, voicing his strong support for the nation's democratic institutions and speaking out against the arrest of its constitutional President.

According to media reports, President José Manuel Zelaya Rosales was overthrown yesterday, when a referendum was slated to be held on changing the Honduran constitution.

Mr. Ban "urges the reinstatement of the democratically elected representatives of the country and full respect for human rights, including safeguards for the security of President Zelaya, members of his family and his government," according to a statement issued yesterday by his spokesperson.

He also urged all Hondurans to resolve their difference peacefully and "in the spirit of reconciliation."

The statement noted that the Secretary-General welcomes the prompt diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Organization of American States (OAS), whose Permanent Council has held a special meeting on the matter.

"He trusts that international and domestic efforts will succeed in the promotion of a peaceful solution to the crisis through democratic means," it said.
________________