- Title: HONDURAS: Interim government severs ties with Argentina
- Date: 19th August 2009
- Summary: TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS (AUGUST 18, 2009) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF PRESIDENTIAL PALACE VARIOUS OF INTERIM HONDURAN PRESIDENT ROBERTO MITCHELETTI MEETING WITH BUSINESS LEADERS CLOSE-UP OF MITCHELETTI AT MEETING MORE OF MEETING BUSINESS LEADERS GATHERED AHEAD OF NEWS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) INTERIM HONDURAN PRESIDENT ROBERTO MICHELETTI, SAYING "I feel that if Argentina took the decision to expel our representatives, then we will do the same to them and to any country in the world, because we also withdrew (our ambassador) just like Mr. Chavez did in Venezuela. We also have the right to suspend any official that they have here in the country. We will try our best to ensure that this does not continue happening, however we have to do the same and treat them the same as they have been treating us." MICHELETTI GREETING BUSINESS LEADERS VARIOUS OF SUPPORTERS OF OUSTED HONDURAN PRESIDENT MANUEL ZELAYA GATHERED FROM PROTEST/ RIOT POLICE PEOPLE STANDING WITH HONDURAS FLAG
- Embargoed: 3rd September 2009 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Honduras
- Country: Honduras
- Topics: International Relations
- Reuters ID: LVA4D8DVNJ9JFO240SQ8IEX06HQ5
- Story Text: The interim government of Honduras on Tuesday (August 18) cut diplomatic ties with Argentina, a week after Argentina expelled the Honduran ambassador because of her support for the military coup which ousted Honduran president Manuel Zelaya.
The interim government of Roberto Micheletti said the severing of ties with Argentina was a reciprocal action.
"I feel that if Argentina took the decision to expel our representatives, then we will do the same to them and to any country in the world, because we also withdraw (our ambassador) just like Mr. Chavez did in Venezuela. We also have the right to suspend any official that they have here in the country. We will try our best to ensure that this does not continue happening, however we have to do the same and treat them the same as they have been treating us," said Honduran interim President Robert Micheletti.
Many countries have refused to recognise the Micheletti government, including the outcome of any elections held under its rule.
Zelaya was ousted in a military coup on June 28 after he angered many in Honduras by veering to the left and allying with Venezuela's socialist President Hugo Chavez. The Supreme Court, Congress, the army and a tight-knit group of economic power brokers lined up against him after he pushed for a public vote on changing the constitution to allow presidents to seek re-election.
The United States, Honduras' longtime ally and top trading partner, has cut $16.5 million in military aid and withdrawn diplomatic visas from key members of the de facto government in a bid to force Zelaya's reinstatement.
Washington has also refused to recognise the government led by Roberto Micheletti. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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