Posted on 07/03/2009 3:23:33 AM PDT by angkor
Here's an interesting and surprisingly realistic take on Zelaya and his good buddy Chavez from the Voice Of America, of all things!
By Carolyn Presutti Washington 02 July 2009
The coup in Honduras that ousted President Manuel Zelaya has been widely condemned by the international community. The United States and other countries around the world are calling for his reinstatement. Among the most vocal advocates of the ousted president is Venezuela's populist firebrand leader, Hugo Chavez.
Hondurans continue to protest in the streets. Pitting supporters of exiled president Manuel Zelaya, against those favoring interim president Roberto Micheletti.
Soldiers forcibly expelled Mr. Zelaya on Sunday on charges of abusing his power. The coup seems to have had a collolary effect of further solidifying the relationship between the ousted leader and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Mr. Zelaya flew to Nicaragua the following day on one of Mr. Chavez' private jets. He met with the Venezuelan leader and other Latin American presidents.
There and on other occasions, Mr. Chavez has been vocal in demanding Mr. Zelaya's return to power.
Oil money from Mr. Chavez reportedly helped Mr. Zelaya win the 2005 election.
Analysts say Mr. Zelaya's subsequent appearances with the Venezuelan leader proves his leanings to the left. Like this appearance, celebrating Chavez' ten years in power during which he has steered his nation toward socialism
Roger Noriega, who served in the State Department during the Bush administration, says Mr. Zelaya was abusing power and Washington missed the opportunity to rein him in. "Our influence in Latin America is waning and that's a bad thing in as much as it creates a vacuum for people like Hugo Chavez who have the energy and the resources to have his way in Latin America," he said.
Supporters of Honduran interim president Roberto Micheletti say Mr. Zelaya had become too dependent on Venezuela. "We are not going to become dependent on a foreign government. We respect the government of Venezuela, but we do not enter military pacts with Venezuela," said interim Foreign Minister Enrique Ortez
Some observers say Mr. Zelaya's attempt to change the laws should serve as a lesson to others who try to tamper with democracy. "I think in the end, that attitude may come back and really be damaging to the Venezuelas and others that are sort of clearly moving in undemocratic ways," said Peter Hakim, who is with a Washington think tank.
However, for now, Mr. Chavez' outspoken support for Mr. Zelaya could boost his stature in the hemisphere should the ousted Honduran president be reinstated.
I read the whole story!
The use of the term “coup” in the context of these events is completely wrong no matter when and how it is used. That’s why I am yelling about it. I completely understood the story. You made an assumption that was wrong.
>>> The use of the term coup in the context of these events is completely wrong <<<
Fine. I think you’ve made your point.
making a move a good distance away. using nicaraugas border. this seems like a great time for him to try. i don’t think hes risking alot.
They also highlight that fact that he is a drug dealer and importer
Plant a tracker aboard the jet and follow him wherever he goes.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.