A week ago, Honduran negotiators, with the support of the OAS and friends in the region, achieved an historic victory for democracy in their country by signing the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord. That agreement spells out a step-by-step process for Honduras to re-establish democratic and constitutional order and move toward national elections with the support of the international community. The United States and the international community applauded the Honduran people for addressing the political crisis in their country with patriotism and pragmatism.
The process of reconciliation in Honduras took another step forward this week with the formation of the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord Verification Commission, including members from Honduras and the international community. During a November 3-4 visit to Honduras, the Commission emphasized the need for phased implementation of the Accord and underscored the importance of the next step in the process: the formation of a Government of Unity and National Reconciliation. The Commission welcomed efforts by both sides to form such a government by the November 5 deadline.
In the wake of the Commission visit, the two sides made significant progress toward the formation of the unity government. For that reason, we were particularly disappointed by the unilateral statements made by both sides last night, which do not serve the spirit of the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord.
As the Verification Commissioners have noted, both sides need to work together implement the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord.
We urge both sides to act in the best interests of the Honduran people and return to the table immediately to reach agreement on the formation of a unity government. The formation of a Government of Unity and National Reconciliation will serve the Honduran people and will change the political dynamics in the country in a positive way. It is urgent that this government be created immediately.
The Honduran people have made clear that they want to move forward. They deserve leadership that looks to the future, in the interest of all Hondurans. Complete and timely implementation of the Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord is the path to that future, and the formation of a Government of Unity and National Reconciliation is the next vital step forward.
