Tanks Rolling to the Capitol as President dismisses Top General

Honduras June 25th 2009

The President of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, in a surprise news conference
announced the dismissal of the General Romeo Vásquez Velásquez, the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The refusal to support the Constitutionally
illegal Referendum due to be held this Sunday that could enable the
President to continue beyond his mandate and authorise him to install a new
Constitution, one that is said to have been written in Venezuela.

After the announcement, the Commander of the Army Miguel Ángel García
Padget, Air Force Commander Prince Luis Javier and the Naval Forces
Commander Juan Pablo Rodriguez, all resigned in solidarity.

However, today in Venezuela, elements of the Honduran Military stood with
Hugo Chavez upon his declaration of an "Armed Revolution" to liberate Latin
America.

It is now being reported that tank units are entering the capitol in support
of the Constitution and the relegated Generals, yet the Honduran Military
has been confined to barracks. It is very unclear what is really happening.

Security has been doubled around the President and his family as public
sentiment for the President has fallen drastically with his growing ties to
Hugo Chavez. Today, over 100,000 people protested in San Pedro Sula in
defence of the Constitution and Democracy with many in tears, praying for
the Honduras not fall into the hands of the Bolivarian Revolution.

These events are bringing back memories of the sometimes dark past of
Honduras, but the massive and peaceful demonstrations held around the
country in support for the Constitution, are being seen and heard in
Honduras, Latin America and around the world. These events and images show
the progress that Honduras has made with regard to democratic principals.

The Referendum, due to be held on Sunday and the events between, will be
crucial in determining the future of Honduras.

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