State Department Spokesman Ian C. Kelly Holds State Department Regular News Briefing

STATE DEPARTMENT REGULAR NEWS BRIEFING

JULY 7, 2009

SPEAKERS: SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN IAN C. KELLY

[*] CLINTON: Hello, everyone.

I just finished a productive meeting with President Zelaya. We discussed the events of the past nine days and the road ahead. I reiterated to him that the United States supports the restoration of the democratic, constitutional order in Honduras.

We continue to support regional efforts through the OAS to bring about a peaceful resolution that is consistent with the terms of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

As President Obama said today, we have taken this position because we respect the universal principle that people should choose their own leaders, whether they are leaders we agree with or not. And I told President Zelaya that we will do everything we can to avoid any further bloodshed. And I conveyed our deep regret over the tragic events that unfolded in the last days.

We call upon all parties t...

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