GUIDANCE ON HONDURAN PERMREP INQUIRY ON HOSTING

UNCLAS STATE 093915 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNGA HO SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON HONDURAN PERMREP INQUIRY ON HOSTING ZELAYA FOR UNGA REF: USUN 803 ¶1. (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified. Please protect accordingly. ¶2. (SBU) In response to reftel, the Department provides USUN the following guidance to respond to Honduran PermRep Reina Idiaquez's recent inquiry regarding Honduran President Zelaya's upcoming travel to New York. Reina had requested that the United States "host" Zelaya during participation in the 64th UN General Assembly (UNGA). USUN may draw from the following points in conveying a response: -- The United States remains committed to restoring democracy in Honduras with President Zelaya's return as President to finish out his term. -- We firmly believe that a negotiated solution is the appropriate way forward and support Costa Rican President Oscar Arrias' proposed San Jose Accord for resolving this crisis. We have urged President Zelaya and the de facto regime to sign the Accord promptly. -- While the United States views President Zelaya as the rightful President of Honduras, it is unable to host his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. -- Because of the unique role of the United States as UN host country, it would not be appropriate for the U.S. to cover the costs of some UN Member State delegations visiting the UN and not others. ¶3. (SBU) The Secretary met President Zelaya on September 3 in Washington. Given the many demands on the Secretary's limited time at UNGA, the Department does not think having her host a lunch in honor of Zelaya would be appopriate. Department Point of Contact -------------- ¶4. (U) Please contact IO/UNP Chris Deutsch, 202-647-0048 or DeutschCM@state.gov, for additional background or with questions. CLINTON