Agreement elusive in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Efforts to create a unity government aimed at ending Honduras' four-month political standoff dragged past yesterday's deadline, with the overthrown president warning that failing to act was a risky endeavor.

"Today is a momentous day," ousted President Manuel Zelaya told Radio Globo from the Brazilian Embassy, where he is holed up under threat of arrest. "Congress has a great role in solving this conflict. If it is not in session to reverse the coup and achieve peace and national reconciliation, the agreement will no longer be fulfilled."

An accord forged last week with the help of U.S. diplomats gave the two sides until yesterday to install a government with supporters of Zelaya and his rival, Roberto Micheletti, whom Congress named president after Zelaya was removed in a June 28 coup.

The accord did not require Zelaya's return to the presidency. The decision was left up to Congress, without a deadline.

In a step forward, the interim Cabinet members all resigned last night to make room for the unity government. However, negotiators for the two sides said they still were mulling over possible candidates to compose the multiparty government.

"We are in the stage of reviewing names," said Arturo Corrales, who represents Micheletti. "It's going to be, I hope, a very productive effort to ensure the tranquility of the Honduran people."

Jorge Reina, who represents Zelaya, said the sides had made positive steps, but neither he nor Corrales commented on whether yesterday's deadline could be met. Zelaya, who has been inside the Brazilian Embassy since he sneaked back into the country Sept. 21, will not be pushed aside, Reina said.

"The people of Honduras elected him, and the coup has to be reversed posthaste," he said.

Time is limited: A new presidential election to select Zelaya's successor is scheduled for Nov. 29.

Hundreds of Zelaya supporters gathered outside Congress yesterday to demand his reinstatement. The protesters said they will boycott the elections if Zelaya is not returned to power beforehand to serve out his constitutionally limited single term, which ends in January.