Zelaya Bid for Seat in Parlacen Uncertain

Despite reports that Manuel Zelaya will seek to join the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) within the next few weeks, the president of Parlacen, Jacinto Suárez of Nicaragua, said yesterday that no official request has been filed by Mr. Zelaya and thus he could not comment on the deposed president's intentions. Mr. Suárez said that once a request is formally submitted it would analyzed and a determination would be made about Mr. Zelaya's qualifications. The possibility that Mr. Zelaya could become a member of Parlacen has caused concern in Honduras because it would mean that he could receive diplomatic immunity and thus possibly be exempted for the next four years from legal prosecution for alleged crimes committed during his administration.

It is not yet clear whether Mr. Zelaya would qualify for Parlacen membership. The organization's charter allows for membership by former presidents who complete their terms of office. Mr. Zelaya failed to complete his four-year term, as he was removed from power by order of Honduras' Supreme Court on June 28, 2009. Mr. Zelaya is currently living in the Dominican Republic under the status of "Distinguished Guest".

Parlacen, located in Guatemala City, Guatemala, is a political institution dedicated to the integration of the countries in Central America. Member states include the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Each nation, except the Dominican Republic, elects 20 representatives to the organization, in addition to former presidents. The Dominican Republic is allowed 22 appointed representatives, plus former presidents.

Costa Rica is not a member of Parlacen. In December, President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama signed into law a decision to withdraw his country from the body. Former president Ricardo Maduro threatened on numerous occasions to withdraw Honduras from Parlacen. In September 2004, President Maduro called the organization "useless" and announced that Honduras would no longer pay its dues. "Parlacen has yielded no concrete results and, as president, I will not spend one cent more on it" said Mr. Maduro.

Each member country of Parlacen reportedly pays annual dues of US$1.7 million to support the organization. Each representative or "deputy" earns a salary of US$4,000 per month and is entitled to diplomatic immunity. (2/23/10) (photo of Jacinto Suárez courtesy Internet)