Political rivals in Honduras reach a power-sharing deal

The four-month-long political crisis in Honduras could be close to reaching a resolution. Negotiators representing elected president Manuel Zelaya and de-facto president Roberto Micheletti signed an agreement Thursday night to create a power-sharing government.

Zelaya negotiator Dr. Victor Meza read a section of the agreement's text aloud during a press conference broadcast by Radio Globo:

"'Both negotiating commissions have respectfully agreed that the National Congress - as an institutional expression of popular sovereignty, using its abilities in consultation with pertinent bodies like the Supreme Court of Justice and abiding by the law - resolve the procedure with respect to returning the executive title to its state prior to June 28th until the present term ends on January 27th, 2010.

That's the text. Perhaps it seems naive or simplistic. Perhaps it seems on face value that it doesn't say much. But believe me that it’s been rather difficult to reach a minimal consensus to be able to put it into writing."

The Organization of American States congratulated all sides on the agreement and indicated that it's a step toward lifting Honduras' suspension from the hemispheric organization. Both sides agreed to elections on November 29th.