Council Conclusions on Honduras

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COUNCIL OFTHE EUROPEAN UNION

Council Conclusions on Honduras

2961st EXTERAL RELATIOS Council meeting
Brussels, 15 September 2009

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The Council expresses its deep concern over the political crisis in Honduras and the ongoingviolation of the constitutional order.

The Council confirms its firm support to the OAS and for the mediation efforts of the President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, and calls on the actors involved, in particularly the de facto government, to work on the basis of the San José Accord in order to find a rapid and peaceful negotiated solution to
the current situation and restoration of constitutional order in Honduras, particularly ahead of elections in November.

The Council underlines the importance of the Verification Commission proposed in the San José Accord as well as its impartiality.

The Council repeats its call on all relevant parties and institutions to refrain from any violence or activities that may incite violence.
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The Council expresses its deep concern over reported human rights violations in the country (including threats to human rights defenders, arbitrary detentions and repression of peaceful protesters) and reminds de facto government of its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the OAS charter and the American Convention on Human Rights.

Member States will continue to restrict contacts at the political level with representatives of the de facto government. EU budgetary support payments have been put on hold.

Development cooperation with the de facto government has also been suspended allowing only for support to civil society and humanitarian assistance.

Until a peaceful settlement is found, the EU will stand ready to take further restrictive measures including targeting those members of the de facto government who are seen to be blocking progress on a negotiated solution based on the San José Accord. The Council tasks relevant Council bodies
to start necessary preparatory work."