Richard G. Lugar, United States Senator for Indiana

U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Dick Lugar released the following statement in reaction to reports that Honduran negotiators signed an agreement to end the country’s political crisis. This agreement would allow the Honduran Congress, taking into account the opinion of the Supreme Court, to decide whether to reinstate President Manuel Zelaya for the remainder of his term. The agreement would require both parties to abide by Congress’s decision.

"I congratulate the negotiators for coming together to resolve the political crisis in Honduras. Their agreement reflects a decision made by Hondurans themselves to resolve the impasse. Both parties have committed to accept what is decided by the Honduran legislative branch and Supreme Court,” Lugar said.

“The U.S. delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State Tom Shannon, also deserves praise for assisting the final stage of negotiations. As a result of this agreement, I hope that the U.S. Senate will swiftly confirm Tom Shannon as Ambassador to Brazil and Arturo Valenzuela as Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere,” Lugar said

“The negotiated resolution should allow Honduras to look forward to a presidential election that reflects the will of the Honduran people and that is supported and recognized by the United States, the Organization of American States, and the rest of the international community,” Lugar concluded.

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