News stories by Thelma Mejía, page 6

Deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said the talks with the de facto regime that ousted him in late June were over and that he planned to return to his country.

The United States and the European Union are cranking up the pressure for talks brokered by Costa Rican President Óscar Arias to bring about a restoration of democracy in Honduras, while urging both sides to refrain from violence.

The sectors opposed to the regime that ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya on Jun. 28 announced a new stage of resistance, while Costa Rican President Oscar Arias is planning a second round of talks, as peace broker.

The provisional government that took power in Honduras a week ago closed the airport to all traffic Monday after clashes between the military and supporters of ousted President Manuel Zelaya left at least two people dead and 11 injured Sunday.

Local and international human rights organisations and left-wing legislators condemned the suspension of constitutional rights in Honduras during the night-time curfew, which tightened the state of siege in effect since President Manuel Zelaya was ousted Sunday.

Sunday’s coup d’etat shows that in Honduras, democracy - which was restored in 1982 - is still hemmed in by the military’s alliance with the economic and political powers-that-be, according to local analysts.

A group of at least 100 soldiers surrounded the residence of Honduran President Manuel Zelaya early Sunday morning, hauled him out of bed, took him to an air force base and put him on a plane for Costa Rica.

Honduras is caught up in a crisis following the dismissal of the head of the armed forces for refusing to provide logistics and security for a non-binding referendum called by President Manuel Zelaya for Sunday, the legality of which is disputed by the courts and the opposition.

After heated debate, the 39th General Assembly of the Organisation of American States (OAS) decided Wednesday to lift its 47-year suspension of Cuba, without conditions.

Civilian tasks carried out by the Honduran armed forces seem to have overtaken their traditional role of defending the country and, in the past, quelling internal dissent. As well as engaging in mosquito control and forest protection, soldiers are now building a commercial airport.