BRASILIA – Brazil and Mexico have called for the restoration of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya who was forced into exile in Costa Rica
by the country’s military. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Mexican counterpart Felipe Calderon Monday demanded Zelaya’s immediate return to power for restoration of democracy in Honduras. They made the remarks during a joint press conference here. “Mexico and Brazil take a firm stand in favour of Zelaya’s immediate return to Tegucigalpa,” Calderon said. Lula said: “We cannot tolerate or allow an attempt against constitutional order. That was the lesson we learned through decades of struggle to return the liberty and peace to our region.” Calderon highlighted the support extended to Zelaya by Mexico and Brazil and the diplomatic efforts being made at the international level.
Zelaya was ousted from power June 28 in a military coup and was forced into exile in Costa Rica.