Former Honduras President Flees to Dominican Republic
January 27th, 2010Former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya left his refuge in the Brazilian Embassy and flew into exile Wednesday, ending months of turmoil and his thwarted quest to be restored to power after a June 28 coup that drew international condemnation.
The leftist leader drove past soldiers guarding the diplomatic compound in long caravan and headed for the airport accompanied by President Porfirio Lobo, said Hilda Cruz, an assistant of Zelaya’s wife.
Zelaya was going to the Dominican Republic as a private citizen under a deal signed by Lobo and the Caribbean country’s President Leonel Fernandez, who flew to Honduras to accompany the former president.
Zelaya has not elaborated on plans for his future. But just before boarding the plane, he shouted: “We’ll be back! We’ll be back!”
Thousands of supporters gathered outside the airport yelled “Mel, our friend, the people are with you!” as his plane took off.
Lobo, who was sworn into office hours …
