Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the present position in Honduras and the prospect for democratic stability in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7158/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 29 November 2009, Presidential elections took place in Honduras. The National Party (PN) candidate, Porfirio Lobo, was declared the winner with 56% of the vote and took office on 17 January. The elections took place against the backdrop of a military coup, which saw then President Manuel Zelaya forced out of office and then President of the National Congress, Roberto Micheletti declared interim President. While the electoral process took place under abnormal circumstances, Ireland and the EU viewed the elections as a significant step forward in solving the crisis in Honduras.

President Lobo took a number of encouraging steps in advance of his inauguration, including the signature of the Accord for National Reconciliation and for the Strengthening of Democracy in Honduras and he has since formed a Government of National Unity.

It is vital that the process of national reconciliation continues. In this regard, the prompt establishment of the Verification Commission as set out in the Tegucigalpa/San José Accord is essential.

The EU remains committed to lend its support to the re-establishment of constitutional and democratic order and to the process of national reconciliation in Honduras. This would allow the full normalisation of relations between the EU and Honduras.