Ban urges restraint to avoid escalation of political tensions in Honduras

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today voiced his concern about the political and institutional tensions in Honduras and urged restraint by all concerned to prevent any further escalation.

Tensions are rising in the Central American nation, where a referendum slated to be held on Sunday on changing the country’s constitution has put President Manuel Zelaya at odds with the military, the courts and the legislature, according to media reports.

Mr. Ban “believes it is important for the country’s leaders to act with full respect for the rule of law and democratic institutions, and to seek consensus on the pressing political issues through a peaceful and inclusive dialogue,” his spokesperson said in a statement.

In addition, the statement clarified that, contrary to reports that have appeared, the United Nations does not have plans to conduct an observation exercise in relation to this weekend’s planned consultation.

The President of the UN General Assembly, Miguel D’Escoto, has also called on the different parties to resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue, in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesperson.