News

Restauration of Democracy to Honduras



Madrid October 14th, 2009

UNI Graphical welcomes the return to Honduras of the country’s democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya on September 22nd, following his expulsion imposed by the military coup on June 28th and the installation of a regime led by Roberto Micheletti.



UNI Graphical condemns the violent attacks and human rights abuses (including attacks that have cost the lives of 12 trade unionists), on trade unions that have taken place by the coup regime against peaceful protestors supporting President Zelaya since his return to Honduras.



UNI Graphical notes with serious concern the widespread military and police repression that has occured under the coup as reported by the Amnesty International among others.



UNI Graphical welcomes the widespread International rejection of the coup government including the United Nations General Assembly, the organization of American States and the European union which has withdrawn its ambassadors and $90 million worth of funding.



We note that the USA is the largest trade partner of Honduras and we are concerned that the US Government , whilst reducting some assistance, continues to provide financial support to Honduras, which if withdrawn would be a significant step towards ending the coup.



UNI Graphical calls upon President Obama to withdraw financial support to Honduras, withdraw from the USA’s free trade agreement with Honduras and to refuse to recognize the military government.



We also revolve to provide all appropriate assistance to trade unions in Honduras, including graphical unions, and calls upon UNI to urgently develop a solidarity network to campaign to restore democracy in Honduras and the unconditional re-instatement of President Zelaya to the office of President as elected by the people of Honduras.



Tony Burke - UNITE