Text of Roberto Micheletti's public announcement on the national radio emergency broadcast system today. Original Here

Translation reposted from http://hondurascoup2009.blogspot.com/, emphasis my own.

Compatriots:

In only a few days we Hondurans will be exercising the most important civic event of any democracy: electing the leaders of our country in free and transparent elections. Until now the preparations for the November 29 acts have advanced without delays and the political campaigns do their work with more energy than ever. Hundreds of international observers have confirmed their participation in the electoral process, including distinguished ex-presidents and dignitaries from friendly countries. In a like manner, the friendly countries have expressed their support and recognition to a clean, free and transparent process. The presidential elections represent the strengthening of our democracy and civil liberties which our nation asks for and merits.

To successfully come to the moment required the force of all of our nation and institutions. The Supreme Election Tribunal, its justices and their whole team have done a magnificent and patriotic job to organize these acts. We congratulate their hard work. At the same time, I reiterate my full confidence in the democratic vocation of the Honduran nation and in the capacity and determination of the Armed Forces of the Republic and the National Police, who serve the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, who know how to guarantee the order and security of people and their goods on November 29, the date in which the Honduran nation will decide, by citizen vote, the destiny of our beloved Honduras.

"As a token that leaves no doubt about my responsibility in the high office which I've assumed, and with the same democratic conviction which has carried this nation to support and work for an exciting and successful electoral process, I've considered it prudent to open a space for reflection so that Hondurans can ponder the importance of suffrage and the responsibility which goes with electing our next government."

For that reason, I intend to absent myself from the exercising of my public functions for a period that could begin on November 25 and end December 2, a decision that I will make in consultation with representatives of the various sectors of Honduranicity[?] who have elegantly accompanied this whole process. My aim, with this measure, is that the attention of all Hondurans is concentrated on the electoral process and not on the political crisis.

I anticipate that this decision could be intentionally badly interpreted by those who by their erratic actions and intention to provoke discord say that this is a sign of weakness in my government. To those people who do not contribute to the social peace and security which my country so needs and merits, I assure that its just the opposite. My actions should be interpreted as a sign of strength and total unquestionable confidence in the institutions of our country, which remains demonstrated with deeds, realities, and not with wordplay.

Since the first moment that I took possession of the Presidency I've said that the actual situation in which Honduras lives should not focus on my desires or those of any other individual, but on the necessities of our democracy and the well being of our future. Strengthening our democracy, through the electoral process which grows near, has always been the final goal of my government. I strongly believe that to open a space for reflection will provide the biggest opening for the events.

During the time of absence in the exercise of my public functions, in accord with our constitution, which has been the judicial instrument that has guided all the acts of my government, our government will work in a normal fashion. And, should there be an unfortunate general upheaval in the order and security, which menaces the peace of the nation and the tranquility of Honduras, have no doubt, and I guarantee by the constitutional promise that I swore and on my honor as a citizen dedicated to my country and the Honduran people, that I will immediately re assume my functions and dictate with vigor and firmness the necessary measures to guarantee the order.

With the election, we will testify to the peaceful transition of power in our country and the inauguration of the next leader democratically elected by the expressed will of the Honduran people.

I would also like to give example, and reiterate to citizen Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, the obligation we have to honor, prior to the day marked to celebrate the general acts, intended to keep a profound silence and respect, framed in the guidelines laid out by the Electoral Law of Political Organizations, and the Tegucigalpa/San Jose Accord which we voluntarily signed.

Those who intend to block the events for their own interests and personal agenda, will not succeed. No one can bend the democratic spirit of the Honduran people. To these forces for disunity, I invite them to rethink, to put their country ahead of their personal aspirations so that Honduras will be the country that we all desire and deserve. Together we will show the international community that this small and proud country merits respect and admiration. Our struggle for democracy is unquestionable. For this, we should all be proud.

To all Hondurans, I invite them to exercise their right to vote on November 29. I naturally will do so, to that way fulfill the civic duty which all citizens in a democracy have. Our votes on the next November 29 represent the collective hope of our people, of our democracy, and of our future.