Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 61: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent political upheaval in Honduras; the likelihood for success of the United States brokered deal there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41939/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 26 June 2009, President Zelaya was ousted by a military coup which saw him forcibly transported to Costa Rica. Roberto Micheletti was declared interim President and the military took control of the capital Tegucigalpa. On 28 June, EU Foreign Ministers strongly condemned the military actions directed against President Zelaya and called on all relevant parties and institutions to refrain from violence and to strive to find a swift and peaceful solution to the situation.

Efforts to resolve the situation were led by the Costa Rican President, Oscar Arias and the Organisation of American States. Proposals put forward by Arias in July, known as the San José Accord, would have seen President Zelaya return to power and amnesty declared for any crimes committed; the creation of a unity government and early elections, due to take place on 29 November. The Accord also called for the establishment of a Verification Commission to investigate events which led to the crisis. This Accord was strongly supported by the EU. While some progress was made in a number of areas, President Zelaya's return to power and the question of amnesty remained a sticking point and stalemate ensued.

Following a mission led by US Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere, Tom Shannon, to Tegucigalpa, the Tegucigalpa-San José Agreement was signed on 30 October 2009. This eight point agreement created a government of national unity (to assume power by 5 November 2009); ruled out reform of certain articles of the constitution, which would have allowed for presidential re-election; recognised the elections and transfer of power to take place on 27 January 2010; transferred authority over the armed forces to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal until the elections; provided for the National Congress, in consultation with the Supreme Court, to decide whether to return the executive to the status quo ante of 28 June 2009; created a Verification Commission to ensure compliance with the Agreement and a Truth Commission to clarify events before and after 28 June 2009; called on the international community to restore relations with Honduras, drop sanctions and renew international financial cooperation and asked the signatories to submit differences in interpretation of the Agreement to the Verification Commission.

The Agreement did not, however, set a timeframe for the Congress to vote on President Zelaya's restitution. On 3 November, the Congress decided to seek an advisory opinion of the Supreme Court. Shortly after the 5 November deadline for the formation of a government of national unity, Micheletti announced a new administration, with himself at its head, made up of candidates proposed by political parties and other sectors of civil society. In response, President Zelaya has stated that the Agreement is null and void. Ireland and the EU have expressed concern over the interruption to the implementation of the Tegucigalpa-San José Agreement and have called on both sides to return to the dialogue. We have also expressed our firm support to the efforts made by the Verification Commission, as well as to the OAS and the USA to facilitate further dialogue to ensure the implementation of the Agreement. I would call on both sides to respect constitutional rules and human rights, which are the cornerstones of democratic governance.