Honduras Lifts Emergency Rule, Restores Civil Liberties

"It is my decision to rescind the decree, but we'll take the decision with the council of ministers today", interim leader, Roberto Micheletti, said in an interview broadcast on Honduran television. Photo by BGNES

Honduras' interim leader has said he will ask ministers to lift an emergency decree imposed after the country's president was ousted in a June coup.

The decree suspended some civil liberties and also shut down two radio stations loyal to the president, the BBC reminded.

President Manuel Zelaya secretly returned to the country two weeks ago, taking refuge in Brazil's embassy.

"It is my decision to rescind the decree, but we'll take the decision with the council of ministers today", interim leader, Roberto Micheletti, said in an interview broadcast on Honduran television.

He said the 45-day decree, issued in late September as protests broke out following President Zelaya's return, was no longer needed as "there is peace" in the country.

Under the emergency legislation, gatherings of more than 20 people were banned, and freedom of movement and speech was limited.

The emergency decree was condemned internationally, and those supporting the ousted president had demanded that it be lifted before negotiations between Mr Zelaya and the interim leader could begin.

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