TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — For a few hours Wednesday, Honduras’ political drama gave way to more important matters, such as buying groceries and filling gas tanks. Streets in the capital were clogged with shoppers after the country’s interim rulers briefly lifted a nationwide curfew to let residents restock shelves.
It was the first chance for residents to get out since Monday, when deposed President Manual Zelaya sneaked back into Honduras and the de facto government imposed the shutdown. The curfew was to go back into effect later in the day.
The government briefly lifted the curfew after overnight clashes in Tegucigalpa left one man dead. A number of stores were looted or vandalized. Police arrested more than 100 people.
The return of Zelaya, who was deposed June 28, and his decision to take shelter in the Brazilian Embassy, has thrust the standoff back into view, but a quick resolution appeared unlikely. Police fired tear gas Wednesday after a Zelaya supporter ignited a firecracker during a union march toward the compound.
Since Zelaya’s return, both sides have professed a willingness to talk but not to yield on their central demands. Zelaya demands to be reinstated as president. His term ends in January.
The government led by interim President Roberto Micheletti refuses, saying Zelaya must stand trial for charges that include treason and abuse of authority. The army hustled Zelaya to Costa Rica after he refused to discard plans for a referendum that foes saw as a ploy to keep him in power longer.
