Bolivian president says coup against Zelaya intimidation to ALBA

PORLAMAR, Venezuela, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Sunday that the coup against deposed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya means an intimidation to the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA).

The coup of June 28 is a reminder of the American empire, under the doctrine to prevent further widening of the ALBA, said Morales at a news conference held in the Hilton hotel, venue of the Second Africa-South America Summit (ASA).

For Morales, the alliance established in 2004 is considered by some as the axis of evil, when in fact, it is the core of humanity.

It is the product of historic struggles of Fidel Castro, and most recently, of Hugo Chavez, he said.

Concerning the situation in Honduras, he called upon the interim Honduran government to restore the constitutional order. "Not just the ALBA, but also the international community in general, support the return of democracy in Honduras," he said.

On Saturday, heads of state and government of ASA countries have approved a joint statement condemning the coup in Honduras.