The Honduran military removed President Manuel Zelaya in a coup today, and the act was quickly followed by Venezuelan President Chavez’ Honduras policy statements, including a threat of intervention.
Removal of President Manuel Zelaya
President Zelaya recently tried to amend the Honduran Constitution to allow him to be re-elected as President. After the Supreme Court expressed opposition to Zelay’s plan, the Honduran army removed Zelaya from office. Robert Micheletti has been named as temporary President. [Source: Reuters, “Q&A;”]
Not surprisingly, President Zelaya claims to still be the true President of Honduras. U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the coup and asked Hondurans to “respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic charter.” [Source: New York Times]
Chavez’ Honduras Reaction
Responding to the loss of an important ally, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has ordered an emergency summit in Nicaragua to discuss the Honduras coup. Chavez has threatened to respond with force of Hondurans harm his diplomats. He has also suggested an investigation of whether the U.S. supported the coup. [Source: Reuters, “RPT-Analysis”]
As I noted elsewhere, the conventional wisdom is that Barack Obama has improved relations with Hugo Chavez. This incident demonstrates, however, that Chavez is still quick to blame the U.S. when things go badly for him.
I am unaware of any evidence that the U.S. played a role in the Honduran coup. Nor has Chavez cited any such evidence. But the fact that he would casually suggest such a conspiracy shows his continuing mistrust of the U.S.
The loss of President Zelaya in Honduras affects the balance of power in the Americas, and apparently reduces Chavez’ clout. Chavez, at least, seems to feel threatened by the act. The question now is whether Chavez is willing to risk destabilizing the region with military actions to protect his own position.
The future of Honduras’ executive branch is up in the air, and there is a danger that Hugo Chavez of Venezuela will interfere in the Honduran government’s efforts to resolve issues raised by the coup. Will Chavez pursue an opportunistic path and use military power to insist that a leftist President be installed in Honduras? Will Barack Obama allow Chavez to carry out such a maneuver? We will find out soon.
Sources
MALKIN, ELISABETH. Honduran President Is Ousted in Coup – NYTimes.com.” The New York Times – Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 29 June 2009 .
Q+A: Honduras president ousted in military coup| Reuters.” Reuters.com – World News, Financial News, Breaking US & International News. 29 June 2009 .
“RPT-ANALYSIS-Honduran coup a blow, but Chavez rallies leftist bl| Reuters.” Reuters.com – World News, Financial News, Breaking US & International News. 29 June 2009 .
