Oscar Arias has written a seven-point document (pdf) expressing what he believes to be an acceptable compromise between Zelaya and the interim Honduran government. But it does not include the points that Zelaya and Micheletti both said were essential.

It doesn’t allow for the “unconditional” return of Zelaya as president, but places conditions of Mel not seeking any referendum not authorized by the Honduran Constitution, and that Mel will hand over power in January as planned. But, the document allows Zelaya back as president, something which Micheletti has said he will not allow.

It’s up to both sides to see whether they can accept the terms. The interim government has the most to lose in this. But I doubt very much that Chávez will accept these points. Chávez doesn’t want Zelaya returned only to leave power in January as the constitution states. No way! That would be a terrible defeat for his autocratic leaders. Zelaya would have to act independently of Chávez in order to accept this deal, in which Zelaya wins but Chávez and his cronies lose.

Micheletti’s government, on the other hand, would be severely punished by Mel if he returns. If the situation with Chimirri shows us anything about Mel, it is that he doesn’t care about the law, but about loyalty. Smells like the Mafia, right? I wouldn’t want to be part of the government at that moment. The vendetta would be brutal.

I think, with some reticence, that we should accept the terms. But I don’t think Michelleti will, and I don’t blame him.

Below is a translation of the document, taken from the copy that was published by El Heraldo.

Proposal of the President of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias, to Solve the Crisis in Honduras

1. The legitimate restitution of José Manuel Zelaya Rosales in the Presidency of the Republic, charge in which he will remain until the end of the constitutional period for which he was elected, that concludes January 27 of next year, date in which he will had over power to the candidate designated freely and democratically by the people, in elections supervised and recognized by the international community.
2. The conformation of a party of unity and reconciliation, composed of representatives from the main political parties.
3. The declaration of a general amnesty exclusively for the all the political crimes committed because of this conflict, before and after the last 28 of July.
4. The express renouncement of president Zelaya, and of his government, of the pretension of placing a ‘fourth urn’ in the next elections, or to conduct any popular consultation not expressly authorized by the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras.
5. The moving forward of national elections from the 29th of November to the last Sunday in October, and the moving forward of the beginning of the electoral campaign from the first days of September, to the first days of August.
6. The transfer of the command of the armed forces to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, a month before the elections, to effect a guarantee of transparency and normalcy of the suffrage, according to the terms of the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras.
7. The integration of a verification commission composed of notable Hondurans and members of international organizations, specially, by representatives of the Organization of American States, guarding that these accords are carried out, and supervising a correct return to constitutional order.

Image by J. Vargas, used with a Creative Commons license

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2. UPDATE: Zelaya Accepts Seven Points
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4. Zelaya Now Supports San Jose Accord Again
5. Zelaya’s Message Lost in Transmission