Reply #13: Rich Vs. Poor At Root Of Honduran Political Crisis

[Judi Lynn]

Rich Vs. Poor At Root Of Honduran Political Crisis
by Jason Beaubien
October 5, 2009

In Honduras on Monday, de facto president Roberto Micheletti lifted an emergency decree and restored some civil liberties. He imposed the decree last week after nationwide protests erupted following the return of ousted President Manuel Zelaya.

The protracted presidential standoff is highlighting the deep divisions in the country's society, which is split between a powerful yet tiny elite and the vast majority of poor, ordinary citizens.

Zelaya remains holed up in the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital. Both sides are calling for dialogue, but so far, there has been little progress on a negotiated settlement to the stalemate.

Since Zelaya — who is often referred to as "Mel" — was ousted, there have been protests in Tegucigalpa both for and against his return.

"In Honduras, we are accustomed to a government of the rich," says Marixa Gorgos, a pro-Zelaya demonstrator. "And the problem for our president, Mel Zelaya, was that he worked for the poor."

More:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11...