PORLAMAR, Venezuela: Leaders attending the second South America-Africa (ASA) summit here approved Saturday a joint statement condemning the coup in Honduras.

Presidents and representatives of 61 countries in both regions have expressed their deep concern over the political crisis in Honduras, after the military coup led by Roberto Micheletti toppled the country’s legitimate president, Manuel Zelaya.

“In addition, we fully endorse the statement of the Security Council (of the United Nations) issued on Sept. 25 calling for the security of the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, where Zelaya has lied since Sept. 21,” said Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The ASA summit also stressed that it was imperative to ensure that the de facto regime in Honduras fully respects the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, including the sanctity and safety of persons who are within diplomatic missions.

Since Zelaya fled Sept. 21 to the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran military police have cut the embassy public services and blocked its supplies.

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