US stops issuing visas in Honduras:
"We are suspending non-emergency, non-immigrant visa services in the consular section of our embassy in Honduras, effective August 26," Kelly added. "We firmly believe a negotiated solution [to the political crisis in Honduras] is the appropriate way forward and the San Jose Accord is the best solution." Ref. Source 3
US Cuts More Aid to Honduras as Zelaya Meets Clinton in Washington
On Thursday, the Obama administration formally cut more than $30 million in aid to Honduras and suggested it will not recognize the Honduran elections scheduled for November unless the vote is free and open. The announcement came as ousted Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya was in Washington for talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. We speak with NYU professor of Latin American studies, Greg Grandin. Ref. Source 2
U.S. Chided for Aiding Honduras Despite Coup:
Honduran coup leader Roberto Micheletti has admitted that the only country with the power to punish his regime is the United States, which purchases 70 percent of the country's exports and otherwise supports its economy through family remittances and direct aid. Ref. Source 4
Internal Pressure Forces Honduran Coup Regime to Reverse Civil Liberties Crackdown, But Repression Continues
The Honduran coup regime has been forced to reverse a harsh crackdown on civil liberties amidst growing protests for the restoration of the ousted President Manuel Zelaya. But Honduran forces still blocked a large protest march and shut down two media outlets that have criticized the coup regime. Meanwhile, a top US diplomat criticized the coup regime's decision but then turned around to issue a harsh condemnation of ousted Zelaya. We go to Honduras to speak with Andres Conteris from inside the embassy where Zelaya is hiding and speak to Luther Castillo, a Honduran doctor who is in Washington to speak with US lawmakers. Ref. Source 2