In the worst crisis in Central America in a decade, Zelaya was toppled and whisked out of the country in a widely condemned coup after he angered opponents with plans to amend the constitution to lift term limits.
The Organisation of American States on Wednesday issued a weekend deadline for the interim government to reinstate Zelaya, in a standoff that is testing US President Barack Obama’s administration after he promised an era of better relations with the region.
“We have established a democratic government and we will not cede to pressure from anyone. We are a sovereign country,” said Roberto Micheletti, who was named the caretaker president after Zelaya’s ouster.
Zelaya has promised to return, but appeared to be waiting for the outcome of the OAS ultimatum. An OAS mission will arrive this week to discuss the ouster.