Ousted president says he hopes dialogue will reinstate him

Ousted president says he hopes dialogue will reinstate him


By the A.M. Costa Rica wire services


Ousted Honduran president José Manuel Zelaya Rosales says he has hope that dialogue will soon be re-established with the current government.

Zelaya remains in the Brazilian Embassy in the capital, Tegucigalpa, where he has taken refuge since his return to Honduras Monday.

The leader of the interim government, Roberto Micheletti, says he is willing to talk with the deposed leader, but only if Zelaya recognizes presidential elections scheduled for November. Micheletti also says he will not discuss dropping any of the charges against Zelaya.

Meanwhile, the situation at the Brazilian Embassy remains tense. Soldiers and police continue to patrol surrounding streets. A nationwide curfew, airport closings and roadblocks are also in place to keep Zelaya's supporters from rallying around him.
Brazil is calling for the U.N. Security Council to hold an emergency meeting on Honduras. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva told the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday the international community is demanding Zelaya immediately resume his role as president. He also stressed the importance of ensuring the Brazilian Embassy is secure from violation.

Zelaya is in the embassy with dozens of friends, relatives and some embassy staffers.

Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands of demonstrators outside the embassy Tuesday. The ousted leader has urged supporters to stage peaceful protests. One man died of gunshot wounds and five others suffered injuries in confrontations elsewhere in ther capital.

Zelaya was forced out of Honduras at gunpoint on June 28. The interim government accuses the deposed leader of planning to hold an illegal referendum in a bid to extend his time in power.