Costa Rican President Oscar Arias says talks aimed at resolving the ongoing political standoff in Honduras will resume Saturday with officials representing that country's political rivals.
President Arias, who is mediating the crisis, announced the new talks Tuesday and urged ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya to be patient with the process. On Monday, Mr. Zelaya issued what he called an "ultimatum" to the interim government, saying it must give him back the presidency within a week.
Mr. Zelaya says if he does not resume office by then, he will consider the discussions a failure. Mr. Arias met separately with Mr. Zelaya and interim Honduran President Roberto Micheletti last week in San Jose.
The Honduran military ousted Mr. Zelaya June 28 and sent him to Costa Rica. Honduras' Supreme Court accused him of trying to make unlawful changes in the constitution to seek another term.
The United States and the Organization of American States have called for Mr. Zelaya's reinstatement. The U.S. has also called for all parties in the crisis to give the talks a chance to succeed and not set deadlines.
Separately, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced support for the mediation efforts to end the crisis. A statement issued through Mr. Ban's spokesperson says the secretary-general is confident that an open dialogue and international support will help resolve the current crisis.
The U.N. also says Mr. Ban spoke with President Arias Monday, offering technical assistance and cooperation to help the parties involved reach an agreement.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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