September 22, 2009
No. 268
The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today issued the following statement regarding President Zelaya’s return to Honduras:
“Canada is concerned with the violence that erupted in the aftermath of President Zelaya’s sudden return to Honduras. Once again, we are calling on all parties to show restraint, to refrain from any actions that could lead to further violence, and to respect the right of Hondurans to peace and security.
“Despite mounting tensions, we remain hopeful that a peaceful, negotiated solution can be reached and call on all parties to act in good faith. We continue to be supportive of the San José Accord. We would also welcome a renewed role for the Organization of American States and Secretary General José Miguel Insulza in the coming days, drawing on the San José Accord as the most viable solution to the political crisis.”
The San José Accord is a 12-point roadmap that Costa Rican President Oscar Arias proposed on July 24 in his capacity as chief mediator. The Accord includes proposals on the conditions for a transition unity government and early elections.
“We will continue to closely follow developments on the ground and stand ready to assist in any way we can,” said Minister Kent.
Minister Kent, who is currently in New York attending meetings at the United Nations General Assembly, has been in direct contact with Secretary General Insulza as well as Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim.
For updated background information, please visit Situation in Honduras.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Eleanor Johnston
Senior Special Assistant (Communications)
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)
613-947-8981
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
