US revokes visas for Honduran officials

Jul 28, 2009, 18:32 GMT

Washington - The United States has revoked four visas for Honduran diplomats in the wake of the coup against President Manuel Zelaya, the US State Department said Tuesday.

The United States was also reviewing the diplomatic visas of other officials working for the government that replaced Zelaya, spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters. He did not say how many visas were under review.

Washington refuses to recognize the government of interim president Roberto Micheletti and has called for Zelaya's return to power since the military removed him from office June 28.

Kelly said the revocations were not designed to pressure Micheletti but instead to demonstrate support for Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, who is leading the mediation effort to resolve the crisis.

'We have a policy of not recognizing the administration of Roberto Micheletti,' Kelly said. 'And it's just a step that we've taken to be consistent with our policy.'

The United States had previously suspended some aid to Honduras following the coup and is reviewing bilateral relations, Kelly said.

The United States has backed Arias's plan, which would restore Zelaya power, set up a national unity government and establish early elections.