UN condemns military coup in Honduras

The UN General Assembly has condemned the military coup in Honduras and demanded that ousted President Manuel Zelaya be returned to power.

Zelaya addressed the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday and the organization has shown unanimous support for the leader of Central American republic.

A resolution, passed by acclamation in the 192-member body, condemned the military coup in Honduras which resulted in the removal of Zelaya and demanded his “immediate and unconditional restoration” as president.

However, the resolution on the issue is non-binding and, thus, unlikely to return him to power.

Manuel Zelaya was expelled from his country on Sunday after he sought a referendum to seek permission to extend his term of office. He was flown by the Honduras military to Costa Rica on Sunday.

Zelaya's removal resulted in violent clashes in Honduras between his supporters and police. However, Tuesday morning saw no sign of protests after a dusk-to-dawn curfew ordered by the new government had expired.

Since Sunday, Zelaya has been urging international support for his return.

He plans to make the trip to Honduras on Thursday. Zelaya said a number of Latin American leaders had suggested that they accompany him back to Honduras, including Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of Argentina, and President Rafael Correa of Ecuador.

The defacto Honduran government has said Zelaya may face arrest if he returns.

Meanwhile, in the capital of Tegucigalpa, Zelaya supporters and opponents have simultaneously held rallies. Up to 15,000 people marched through the city to show their opposition to the military coup.

The defacto government also held a public meeting under slogans saying ‘no’ to Honduras following Venezuela’s steps in its development.

Reportedly, an all-out strike in the country has paralyzed public transport. Schools were also closed.