WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Democracy in the Americas released the following statement regarding the accord reached between President Zelaya and Mr. Micheletti, the leader of the de facto government.

"We applaud the agreement reached in Honduras that holds the promise of a rapid return to democratic order and an end to the political crisis that has hurt the Honduran people these last four months. We applaud the Obama administration for its work in helping both sides reach an agreement, and for standing on the side of democracy throughout the crisis. We urge the administration to be equally vigilant and tough minded as the world monitors the implementation of this accord.

"At the same time, the CDA calls for all the human rights violations committed under the coup regime to be fully investigated and resolved. We also call for the undemocratic decrees limiting freedom of speech and freedom of association to be repealed as soon as possible. In the next several weeks leading up to the elections, it is important for the international community to help ensure that conditions truly exist for free and fair elections in Honduras. Following the elections, we hope that a process will be undertaken to address the social, economic and political problems that led to the crisis."

The Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) is devoted to changing U.S. policy toward the countries of the Americas by basing our relations on mutual respect, fostering dialogue with those governments and movements with which U.S. policy is at odds, and recognizing positive trends in democracy and governance.

Sarah Stephens, executive director of the CDA, recently visited Honduras with a delegation convened by the Carter Center.

For more information about the Center for Democracy in the Americas, and to follow developments in Honduras and elsewhere, visit our website http://www.democracyinamericas.org/.

SOURCE Center for Democracy in the Americas

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