(Adnkronos) – The EU “condemns the acts of violence” committed in recent days against political actors in Honduras and “invites all involved parties to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition of power”, as well as to respect the will of the Honduran people, “clearly expressed through the electoral process”. This was stated in a communiqué by the spokesperson for the European External Action Service, following an incident in which Gladis Aurora Lopez, a conservative deputy from the National Party, was hit by an explosive device in a public place.
The episode exemplifies the level of tension reached in the South American country after the narrow victory of Nasry Asfura, of the National Party, in the general elections held at the end of November. The result was contested by parts of Honduran politics, including outgoing president Xiomara Castro, leader of the left-wing Libre party. In the EEAS communiqué, the EU “expresses its concern” about the decree with which Castro requested a recount of votes, and “reiterates its support for the work of the Honduran electoral institutions and for the official proclamation of results by the National Electoral Council, which recognized Nasry Asfura as the legitimate president-elect of the country and confirmed the final results for the National Congress and municipal elections”.
“The will of the Honduran people, clearly expressed through the electoral process, must be respected. We look forward to working with President Nasry Asfura and his administration,” concludes the EEAS communiqué.
