US disappointed by Honduran vote on Zelaya

Dec 3, 2009, 18:04 GMT

Washington - The United States was 'disappointed' that the Honduran Congress failed to restore ousted president Manuel Zelaya, but emphasized the outcome was consistent with an accord designed to end the political standoff.

'Were disappointed by this decision since the United States had hoped the Congress would have approved his return,' US Assistant Secretary of State Arturo Valenzuela said Thursday. Congress voted against Zelaya's return Wednesday night.

The United States had recognized Zelaya as the legitimate president since he was ousted in a coup d'etat June 28, but under an internationally mediated accord agreed to October 30 the decision was left to Congress to determine whether Zelaya should return to power until a new president is sworn in January.

President-elect Pepe Lobo is set to take office on January 27 after prevailing in Sunday's election. The Tegucigalpa-San Jose Accord calls on the next leader to establish a unity government as part of the process of restoring democratic and constitutional rule in Honduras.

'It's important that these steps be fulfilled to pave the way for Honduras' return to the inter-American community of democracies,' Valenzuela said.