STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN HONDURAS, ISSUED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY, HIS EXCELLENCY BHARRAT JAGDEO, PRESIDENT OF THE COOPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) views with continuing grave concern the situation in Honduras arising from the removal by military intervention of the democratically elected Head of State, President Manuel Zelaya.

The Caribbean Community notes the recent return to Honduras of President Zelaya and his presence in the Embassy of Brazil. The Community wishes to underline the critical importance of respecting the inviolability of diplomatic premises and of the persons therein.

The Caribbean Community views the presence of President Zelaya at the Embassy of Brazil in his country as an opportunity for dialogue towards a peaceful resolution to the current situation. The Caribbean Community hopes this opportunity will be seized.