Deposed President Zelaya 21 Sept made unannounced return to capital Tegucigalpa, said for “peaceful dialogue”. De facto govt imposed curfew, ordered troops surround Brazilian embassy where Zelaya took refuge; thousands of Zelaya-supporters gathered outside embassy, at least 2 killed in clashes with troops. De facto President Micheletti and main political parties 25 Sept started dialogue with Zelaya, but called off after Zelaya continued calls for street protests; Micheletti still opposes widespread international calls for Zelaya’s return to presidency until 29 Nov elections. Micheletti 28 Sept declared 45-day “state of siege” by decree, effectively suspending civil liberties; but later said would revoke decree after strong criticism from within own party, Congress. Govt 28 Sept closed 2 pro-Zelaya media outlets.

Political crisis remains as de facto govt hardened stance refusing return of President Zelaya, ousted in June civilmilitary coup. Supreme Court 22 Aug ruled against reinstatement of Zelaya, said he faces criminal charges if he returns to country. OAS delegation 24 Aug failed to broker solution; de facto President Micheletti said will stay in power until 29 Nov elections. Sporadically violent pro- and anti-Zelaya demonstrations continued throughout month; rights groups raised concerns over increasingly harsh de facto govt crackdown on pro-Zelaya protests, media outlets. 1 protestor died 1 Aug after being shot during late July demonstration, unclear by whom. 1 electoral official killed 31 Aug by unidentified gunmen.

Deadlock remains after June civil-military coup as talks between ousted President Zelaya and de facto govt broke down repeatedly during month. Hopes of solution raised after military 25 July declared would not oppose Zelaya’s return under deal proposed by mediator Oscar Arias; de facto President Micheletti 30 July said will give “serious consideration” to deal. Pro- and anti-Zelaya protests continued throughout month with at least 1 protester killed in 5 July clash with military; Arias warned of risk of further violence if no solution reached, said talks will continue. EU 20 July suspended US$90m in aid; U.S. warned could do the same. Widespread international condemnation of de facto govt throughout month. Zelaya criticised after saying 14 July Hondurans have “right to revolt”.

President Zelaya ousted in 28 June military coup: culmination of weeks of controversy over his push for referendum on abolition of presidential term limits, which both Congress and Supreme Court (SC) had declared unconstitutional. Zelaya expelled to Costa Rica 28 June, Congress subsequently swore in speaker Roberto Micheletti as interim president. Micheletti said his appointment “absolutely legal”; imposed curfew 28-29 June after thousands of Zelaya supporters demonstrated in capital Tegucigalpa. EU, U.S., UN, govts across Latin America condemned coup; OAS called for return of Zelaya, said would not recognise any other govt.

Thousands protested against renewal of IMF debt payments 14 October, arguing government paying too high price for renewal.