Honduras' Minister of Foreign Relations, Carlos López, confirmed on Tuesday that the Micheletti government has not received an official request for safe passage for Manuel Zelaya from any foreign government. Mr. López's suggestion that the Dominican Republic may be a possibility has led to renewed speculation that a petition for Mr. Zelaya's safe passage may be submitted in the next few days by the government of President Leonel Fernández, who has been working to arrange a meeting between President-elect Porfirio Lobo and Mr. Zelaya. Mr. Zelaya has repeatedly said that he will not accept political asylum in another country and that he is determined to remain in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa until January 27, 2010, when his term ends and Mr. Lobo is inaugurated as the country's new president. Two weeks ago, Mr. Zelaya attempted to obtain safe passage to Mexico, but the deal fell through when it became evident that he would not accept political asylum, and that he was seeking to travel as a "distinguished guest" of the government of President Felipe Calderón. Political asylum status provides certain protections for the asylee, but it restricts the individual's involvement in political activities. (photo of Leonel Fernández courtesy Internet)
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