Statement by U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis As Member of the Verification Commission for Implementation of the Guaymuras Accord

November 4, 2009

Tegucigalpa, Honduras: In the last two days that I have been here in Honduras, I have been deeply impressed with the warmth and sincerity of its people, and with the determination expressed by so many Hondurans with whom I have met and find a peaceful and lasting solution to the political crisis. I want to underscore that the Guaymuras Accord is an agreement that was reached by the Hondurans themselves, with the support and facilitation of the international community, particularly the Organization of American States. The Honduran people, and in particular the negotiators of the Dialogue are to be congratulated for what they have achieved: Full implementation of the Accord, quick implementation of the Accord, and good-faith implementation of the Guaymuras Accord, an essential step toward reconciliation and renewed international support for Honduras.

The Accord provides for a government of national unity and reconciliation established by November 5. This is a milestone that must be met. And I want personally say I was pleased to have met both Mr. Zelaya and Mr. Micheletti. Mr. Micheletti expressed that he was willing to move forward, both parties did, and Mr. Micheletti also made clear that he was prepared to step aside.

We look forward to elections that will be peaceful, transparent and credible. We look forward to a tranquil transfer of power when the president chosen by the Honduran people to govern their country in democratic elections in November takes office on January 27, 2010.

Moreover, successful implementation of this agreement opens the doors again to broad cooperation and support by the international community and in many, many areas vital to the well being of the Honduran people. I am proud to have served as a member of the Verification Commission and look forward to continuing to work with former President Ricardo Lagos of Chile, Ambassador Jorge Arturo Reina, and Mr. Arturo Corrales to help Honduras back on the road to a brighter future.

Additionally, I want to add that I am also pleased that the OAS has asked the Ambassador Octavio Borbon and Mr. Enrique Correa to stay on here in Honduras to continue their effort and, of course, working also with the Ambassador Llorens who has been tremendous in keeping this dialogue going.

I want to say thank you to the Honduran people and to those individuals that we met with today.