Latino immigrant leaders urge bolder actions by the U.S. in support of democracy in Honduras

PRESS STATEMENT

July 14, 2009
Contact person:
Carlos Fernandez, (773) 450-4176 / cfernandez@nalacc. org

Latino immigrant leaders urge bolder actions by the U.S. in support of democracy in Honduras

Chicago, IL – Leaders of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities, a national umbrella representing hundreds of grassroots immigrant led organizations from around the country, called on President Obama to take bolder actions in favor of democracy in Honduras through a letter sent to the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Specifically, NALACC leaders called for the U.S. government to cut off all economic and military aid to the de facto government of Honduras, as well as for the withdrawal of the U.S. ambassador from Tegucigalpa.

“The U.S. role is crucial if we are to see the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order in Honduras,” stated Angela Sanbrano, NALACC’s President. “For as long as the leaders of the de facto authorities in Honduras believe they can count on U.S. support, they will resist the return of President Zelaya, who is the only legitimate head of state of Honduras,” added Ms. Sanbrano.

The U.S. government proposed a mediated solution to the democratic and constitutional crisis in Honduras and succeeded in recruiting the President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias as the lead mediator of the efforts to bring about a solution to the Honduras crisis. “If the good offices of President Arias from Costa Rica are to be successful, it is imperative for the U.S. government to put its full diplomatic weight behind President Arias,” stated Oscar Chacon, NALACC’s executive director.

For Latin American immigrants in the U.S., respect for democratic rule is crucial for the consolidation of democracy and for the efforts to bring about a new social and economic order capable of turning Latin America into a region characterized by well being and prosperity for the majorities in need. The coup d’état in Honduras represents a major threat to the fragile democracies of Latin America.

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NALACC is a network of immigrant-led organizations working to improve the quality of life in their communities, in the United States, as well as in their countries of origin. Visit us on the web at www.nalacc.org