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Ousted Honduras president defiant after airport blockade
Ed Harris06.07.09
The ousted president of Honduras could make a second attempt today to return to power after soldiers blocked an airport runway to keep him out.
Protests ended in a killing yesterday when thousands of Manuel Zelaya's backers massed at Toncontin airport in the hope of welcoming him home. The pilot of Mr Zelaya's plane, on loan from Venezuela, circled but decided not to risk a crash. The soldiers were under the command of a government that has ruled the Central American country since Mr Zelaya was ousted a week ago.
A man was shot in the head from inside the airport as the protesters tried to break through a fence. At least 30 were injured.
Mr Zelaya flew on to El Salvador. At a press conference where he was flanked by the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay, El Salvador and Ecuador, he said: “I am risking myself personally to resolve the problems without violence.”
Reader views (1)
The "I will return" play looked more like a political stunt to me. Like most I don't have any idea what the rights and wrongs of the Honduras situation are, but when I see all of the 'lefties' lining up to show solidarity with the man, my cynical meter starts clicking.
Everyone talks about how right wing dictatorships are wrong (I agree) - but why is it that the left wing dictators get what amounts to a free pass when they set themselves up as 'leaders for life'?
- Rogan, Irving
