Fidel Castro Denounces Honduran Coup

June 29, 2009 9:31 a.m. EST

Havana, Cuba (AHN) - While the United States, European Union and Organization of American States have each condemned the coup in Honduras, former Cuban President Fidel Castro has also spoken out against the military's "blatantly reactionary attempt to prevent an important popular referendum."

In an opinion piece published by the state-run newspaper Granma, the 82-year-old communist spoke out "to express my solidarity with the constitutionally-elected president of Honduras, Jose Manuel Zelaya."

"It was impressive to see him on Telesur, haranguing the people of Honduras," Castro wrote. "He energetically denounced the blatantly reactionary attempt to prevent an important popular referendum. That is the 'democracy' that imperialism defends. Zelaya has not committed the slightest violation of the law. He did not engage in any act of force. He is the president and commander-general of the Armed Forces of Honduras. What is happening there will be a test for the OAS and for the current United States administration."

"We do not know what will happen tonight or tomorrow in Honduras, but the brave conduct of Zelaya will go down in history," Castro added.

Overall, Havana has denounced the coup. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla is calling on the U.N., the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Rio Group and the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) to take action against the military's decision to appoint a new leader.

"I denounce the criminal and brutal character of this coup d'etat," Rodriguez Parrilla told reporters in Havana.