Honduras
Celebrates Independence Day
With Divided Groups
Tegucigalpa - The
political crisis that has split Honduras was
evident Tuesday as the country celebrated
the 188th anniversary of its independence
from Spain.
After the coup on June 28 that ousted
President Manuel Zelaya, the Honduran people
have been divided into two groups, one
supporting Zelaya and another supporting the
de facto government led by de facto
president Roberto Micheletti.
The division has been maintained during
Independence Day celebrations, with each
group organizing its own events.
The followers of Zelaya staged a massive
march to demand the restoration in power of
the ousted president. Meanwhile, the
supporters of the coup-government celebrated
the day with a march dressed in white.
The de facto government celebration included
a "civic military parade," a show of
traditional dances at the Tiburcio Carias
Andino National Stadium and a show from the
Honduran Air Force.
The stadium with 35,000 seats was half
filled. However, Micheletti told the press
that "more than 35,000 people" attended the
celebration in the stadium to enjoy the show
of the Honduran Air Force and Army.
The Air Force provided a fly past featuring
A-37 Dragonflies, T-27 Tucanos and F-5
planes.
During the military parade, the army showed
its ordnance, infantry, naval and aerial
equipment. While, the police performed with
horses and motorbikes.
Micheletti enjoyed the event from the
president's VIP box of the stadium together
with de facto president of the parliament
Alfredo Saavedra, Supreme Court of Justice
Jorge Rivera, Tegucigalpa mayor Ricardo
Alvarez and government officials.
Micheletti told the media that, with his
military parade, "we showed the world that
we are together and most of the people want
peace. We want all the world to listen: this
country is independent, it will not be
dominated by anyone."
The celebration by Zelaya's followers was
marked by speeches against Micheletti, cheer
squads and music bands from public schools.
Zelaya's followers had red and white flags,
which are the colors of the Liberal Party.
Coordinator from the People's Front, a
support group for Zelaya, Rafael Alegria
said: "It is amazing to see after 80 days
(since the coup) how the resistance is
growing. The people feel we are reaching
victory, the arrival of president (Zelaya),
without doubt, is close."
National Front leader Israel Salinas said:
"Our goal is to establish a National
Constitutive Assembly and demand Zelaya's
return to power."
|
