Opposition broadcasters return to Honduras airwaves

Opposition radio and television stations in Honduras were back on the air after the government lifted a three-week broadcast ban.

Radio Globo and Channel 36 began broadcasting, just hours after interim President Roberto Micheletti’s administration rescinded a decree that limited constitutional guarantees such as freedom of press and freedom of assembly.

Also, a Micheletti representative met with ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya after negotiations to solve the country’s three-month old political crisis hit an impasse.

Arturo Corrales, a member of Mr Micheletti’s delegation, said he met with Mr Zelaya “unofficially” because the ousted leader had some questions about the talks. He wouldn’t say what the two discussed.

Mr Zelaya’s delegation accused the interim government on Monday of obstructing progress by insisting that Congress and the Supreme Court be consulted on whether Mr Zelaya can be reinstated. The court has already said Mr Zelaya should not be allowed to return.

They said they wouldn’t return to the table until the interim government presents a “constructive proposal”.

Vilma Morales, a spokeswoman for the coup-installed government, asked Mr Zelaya to send his delegation back to talks.

“We have to sit down at the table to come up with different alternatives and options,” Ms Morales told a news conference.

Mr Zelaya was ousted on June 28 after he defied Supreme Court orders to cancel a referendum on rewriting the constitution.

He is at the Brazilian Embassy, where he took refuge after sneaking back into Honduras on September 21 from his forced exile.