CPA - The Guardian

Last Friday afternoon an emergency rally was organised at short notice to protest the coup that took place on Sunday July 28 in the Central American country of Honduras.

The coup orchestrated by the right wing oligarchy in Honduras sought to derail the progressive agenda of the elected government of President Manuel Zelaya Rosales by forcing him at gunpoint from his home and sending him into exile to neighbouring Costa Rica.

The Communist Party of Australia and other solidarity groups came together to organise a speak-out to help make public the forces behind the coup which has been largely ignored by Australian media. The catalyst for the coup was a non-binding vote that was to consult Hondurans on whether or not they wanted to be asked about a constitutional reform, and not because Zelaya had a “wish” to extend his term indefinitely, as has been widely reported in the mainstream media.

Has our Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sought to direct his Foreign Minister Steven Smith to offer Australia’s support to ousted President Zelaya and publicly condemn the coup plotters?

Approximately 30 activists and supporters rallied at the protest and took the opportunity to speak to workers and late night shoppers who also heard speeches by Party’s National President Vinnie Molina who called on the Australian government not to recognise the de facto government and to express its support to the legitimate president elected by the people in Honduras.

Spokespersons from other progressive groups present joined the call and expressed their solidarity with the people of Honduras. Protestors condemned the coup and joined a worldwide chorus in support of President Zelaya being allowed to return to Honduras and rightfully resume his constitutional obligation given to him by the popular vote of the people to govern on their behalf for at least another year.

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