Sweden calls for peaceful solution in Honduras
BRUSSELS, (AFP) - Sweden, the EU presidency, on Tuesday called for a negotiated settlement in Honduras and urged all parties to avoid violence after deposed President Manuel Zelaya made a surprise return home.
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"In light of the return of President (Manuel) Zelaya to Tegucigalpa, the presidency of the European Union underlines the importance of a negotiated solution to the current crisis in Honduras," the Swedish EU presidency said in a statement.
"The European Union urges all concerned to refrain from any action that might increase tension and violence," the presidency added in a statement.
The country's interim government extended a night curfew through Tuesday to prevent protests in support of Zelaya after the ousted president took refuge in the Brazilian embassy upon his return on Monday.
Many feared further violence after deadly clashes during his two previous attempts to return.
The EU statement stressed "firm support to the efforts made by the Organisation of American States... to facilitate dialogue and restoration of the constitutional order in Honduras".
The Honduran military ousted Zelaya, sending him into exile in his pyjamas on June 28, backed by the country's courts and congress, at the height of a tense standoff over his plans to change the constitution.
Following international condemnation and aid freezes, Zelaya has voiced growing frustration at what he regards as the lack of more decisive action by the international community to oust the coup leaders and return him to power.
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Last Updated (Tuesday, 22 September 2009 11:05)
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