Day 287

Organization of American States

The OAS met into the early hours of Sunday in Washington and took the rare step to suspend one of its members after the interim authorities ignored an ultimatum by the 34-member body to reinstate Zelaya. It was the strongest move yet by foreign governments to isolate the caretaker government.

In Central America's first coup since the Cold War era Zelaya, a leftist who took power in 2006 and had been due to leave office in 2010, was ousted by troops and sent into exile a week ago after a dispute over presidential term limits.

Honduras, a coffee and textile exporter with a population of around 7 million, is the third poorest country in the hemisphere after Haiti and Nicaragua. The OAS slap could hamper its ability to obtain loans.

Day 281

Coup d'etat Manuel Zelaya

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was ousted by military forces yesterday.  

The removal of Mr Zelaya came amid a power struggle over his plans for constitutional change.

Mr Zelaya, who had been in office since 2006, wanted to hold a referendum which could have led to an extension of his non-renewable four-year term in office.

Polls for the referendum had been due to open early on Sunday - but instead troops took him from the presidential palace and flew him out of the country.

To no surprise Hugo Chavez has publically announced his support for Zelaya's legitimacy. Interim President, Roberto Micheletti (former Speaker of the House) will serve until January 27.  A new election will take place in November to determine his successor.  

Day 249

Honduras Earthquake

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Honduras early this morning.  The epicenter is located 80 miles northeast of La Cieba, Honduras.  A tsunami watch has been canceled for the area.