Honduras Quits the OAS – UPDATE: Honduras Can’t Withdraw from OAS

President Micheletti is not backing down from the OAS:

The new government of Honduras says it no longer recognizes the charter of the Organization of American States and is withdrawing its membership from the group. Honduras made the announcement late Friday, a day before the OAS was due to vote on suspending the Central American country, following its refusal to adhere to demands by OAS to return toppled President Manuel Zelaya to office. The OAS has called an emergency meeting in Washington on Saturday.

Ed Morrissey points out that Honduras leaving the OAS will come at a cost:

That comes at a price, though.  The poor nation relies on OAS aid as well as OAS-influenced support from other nations.  By withdrawing from the regional assembly, Honduras will lose hundreds of millions of dollars they desperately need, especially in this economy.

This is less about a show of strength and more about showing the OAS and the world how serious they are in keeping Zelaya out of power.  Though Zelaya now says he will return to Honduras on Sunday accompanied by the President of the OAS, Micheletti still contends that Zelaya will be arrested on his return.

It is becoming quite clear to the world that Honduras is not willing to negotiate on this issue.  Not only have most countries pulled their ambassadors, but Daniel Ortega is getting the message as well:

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega called on the White House to hold firm against Honduras coup.

…

He added that there is no possible negotiation in the case of Honduras and that in talks with OAS secretary general, Manuel Insulza, he said that he was not confident that any arrangement could be made with the perpetrators of the coup and only hopes for restitution of Zelaya.

At the current stalemate it seems that sanctions may be the only recourse for the OAS and neighboring countries.  But tomorrow will be crucial if Zelaya actually comes back to Honduras with a convoy of nation leaders.  If Zelaya is arrested then this will escalate the situation even more, leaving us all to hope that this doesn’t turn into an armed conflict.

Here’s a question for my Honduran readers: what percentage of the Honduran people support the ousting of Zelaya?  Is it a majority?

UPDATE:  The OAS is not honoring the Honduran Government withdrawal:

The caretaker government of Honduras cannot withdraw from the Organization of American States because it is not a legitimate government, a senior OAS official said on Saturday.

“Only legitimate governments can withdraw from an entity such as the OAS,” said Albert Ramdin, the OAS assistant secretary-general, told reporters before a special OAS meeting on Honduras.

He said the current “regime” in Honduras is not recognized as the country’s legitimate government.

This seems like a power play since I assume that they are still considering suspending Honduras’ membership.

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