Zelaya's negotiator criticizes interim gov't for handicapping crisis talks

by Raul Vilchis

TEGUCIGALPA, July 21 (Xinhua) -- A negotiator for the deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya on Tuesday accused the post-coup leader Roberto Micheletti of handicapping crisis talks in Costa Rica.

Rafael Alegria, also peasant leader of Honduras, told Xinhua that there was no real negotiations in Costa Rica concerning Honduras' political crisis, but "just a dialogue."

"From the beginning, they (representatives of Micheletti) refused to restore the political regime of Zelaya, and apparently, the dialogue finished there," Alegria, a member of the negotiation delegation representing ousted Zelaya, said.

The negotiating team of Micheletti has rejected Zelaya's demand for returning to the country, a key issue of any compromise plan.

The crisis talks ended in a stalemate Sunday after Micheletti rejected a proposal raised by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias suggesting a unity government led by Zelaya, early elections and general amnesty for crimes before and after the coup -- all are viable with the precondition of Zelaya's return.

Alegria said "resistance against the coup" will continue until Zelaya's return to power. The peasant leader led a march in Tegucigalpa on Tuesday to protest against the interim government.

"The struggle of the people continues, the people's resistance continues, and I believe for sure that, whether the president (Zelaya) comes or

not, the people will make changes happen, for that's what they want, and for that they will struggle firmly," Alegria said.

According to Alegria, the crisis in Honduras has entered its "third phase" because "the attitude of the coup-plotters, when declaring their firm refusal to Zelaya's return, undoubtedly has made the situation violent."

He predicted that more clashes are bound to occur over time.

Alegria, one of Zelaya's closest aides, turned down the accusation of being aggressive in protests, saying that Zelaya's supporters were organizing "pacific movements."

He said a clash "could be (a) situation to regret" and is something his people do not want.

Zelaya seeks to return to Honduras as early as Thursday despite the threat from Micheletti to take him to court for violating the constitution.

The international community has voiced support for Zelaya's return to power, but Micheletti restated on Monday that Zelaya's return is "non-negotiable."

Zelaya was ousted and forced into exile on June 28 in a military coup, which was widely condemned by the international community, especially in Latin America.