Zelaya's difficult time with exit strategy

NY Times:

A plan for the ousted Honduran president, Manuel Zelaya, to leave the country for Mexico ran aground late Wednesday when negotiations over his safe passage fell apart, the leader and the Mexican authorities said.

As the news about Mr. Zelaya’s possible departure spread, along with considerable confusion, his supporters gathered outside the police barricades erected in the streets surrounding the Brazilian Embassy, where he has been a virtual prisoner since September.

In an interview with the Mexican TV network Televisa, Mr. Zelaya said that the de facto government had placed a “denigrating” condition on his departure from Honduras, offering him safe passage out of the embassy only if he would seek political asylum. He added that he has not asked for political asylum.

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It appears to me he needs to ask for political asylum or face prosecution for his crimes against the Honduran constitution. Given that choice, asylum sounds like a good deal. His own actions are responsible for him being in this position, so he should not be whining about it.

The Times continues to refer to the legitimate government of Honduras as a "de facto" government. This is an insult that the left has used to show its displeasure at the removal of a guy who had clearly violated the country's constitution and was legally removed pursuant to that constitution.