SANTIAGO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Jose Miguel Insulza said Monday he would be open to dialogue with Honduran opposition leader Porfirio Lobo, who won the election on Sunday.
In an interview with Chile's Radio Cooperative, Insulza said Lobo's performance "would be crucial for the international community to validate the new government" in Honduras.
Insulza said that for now, he could neither ignore nor validate the election in the Central American country, but stressed the role the ousted President Manuel Zelaya should play in the process.
"I think the position of President Zelaya is fundamental; he isa central actor in this process, and the restoration and recognition of his legitimacy is crucial," Insulza said.
"Respecting the agreement of Tegucigalpa would be the basis for this issue," he added.
On June 28, Zelaya was seized in the presidential palace by a group of soldiers and forced onto a plane bound for Costa Rica. Former legislature leader Roberto Micheletti became acting president.
In October, officials representing Zelaya and Michelleti signed the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Agreement aimed to end the politic crisis, which included provisions for a government of national unity and Zelaya's restoration to the presidency, providing Honduras' legislature approves.
Sunday's vote has caused a schism on the American continent, since most countries do not recognize the election conducted by the de facto government.
However, the Honduran election was backed by the United States and has been recognized by Panama, Colombia, Peru and Costa Rica.
According to Insulza, on Dec. 4, the OAS Permanent Council will meet to evaluate the situation after the election and the decision the Honduran Congress will make on Dec. 2.
Chavez describes Honduras voting as a farce
CARACAS, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez vowed on Sunday that his government would not recognize the results of the presidential election in Honduras, calling the voting a farce.
"We will not recognize any result of the election. For us, the only Honduras' president is still Manuel Zelaya," Chavez reiterated his position during the weekly broadcast "Hello, Mr President." Full story
Brazil not to recognize outcome of Honduras election: Lula
ESTORIL, Portugal, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President LuizInacio Lula da Silva said here Sunday that Brazil would not "reconsider" its stance on Honduras' general elections and would not recognize the results.
Lula made the comments after arriving in Estoril, a Portuguese seaside resort, for the annual Ibero-American summit. Full story
Opposition candidate Lobo claims victory in Honduras election
TEGUCIGALPA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Opposition candidate Porfirio Lobo has claimed victory in Honduras' presidential election on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters as he celebrated with supporters, Lobo said he would try to iron out differences and establish a united and stable new government to deliver on his campaign promises. Full story
