Sweden, currently holding the EU-presidency, spoke on behalf of the 27-nation bloc in Brussels when it urged all parties in Honduras "to refrain from any action that might increase tension and violence."

Ousted president Zelaya reportedly crossed numerous military checkpoints in the trunk of a car and on a tractor to return to his country. He has since given several TV interviews declaring his intention to re-take power, and briefly appeared on the balcony of the Brazilian embassy.

"I want to tell you I am committed to the Honduran people and I am not going to rest one day, one minute, until the dictatorship is toppled," he told hundreds of cheering supporters that had gathered outside the embassy.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, one of Zelaya's closest allies, hailed the success of the mission in a televised telephone call with Zelaya. "The coup-mongers should surrender power peacefully. I congratulate you for your heroic act and the Latin American people admire you," he said.

The military government, apparently surprised by Zelaya's secret return, reacted by imposing a curfew, closing airports and mobilizing riot police. Zelaya called on his supporters to come out in peaceful protest against the regime, but many are concerned that his sudden reappearance could tip the volatile situation in Honduras into violence.

Interim government warns of violence

Honduran interim President Roberto Micheletti called on Brazil to hand over Zelaya so he could face trial for treason and corruption, blaming the Brazilian government for any violence.

"A call to the government of Brazil: respect the judicial order against Mr Zelaya and turn him into Honduran authorities. The eyes of the world are on Brazil and Honduras."

The current government deposed Zelaya three months ago, by kidnapping him at night and bundling him into an airplane. They have since refused to countenance any suggestion of a power-sharing agreement with a man they deem a radical leftist.

Zelaya incurred the wrath of the Honduran middle classes and military by adopting socialist policies midway through his presidential term, winning mass support from the country's poor.

International reaction focussed on peace

The EU's announcement brings it into line with the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS), who are attempting "to facilitate dialogue and restore the constitutional order."

EU member states halted bilateral development cooperation with Honduras in July, with the exception of humanitarian assistance and emergency relief.

The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, said, "It's imperative that dialogue begin... [that] there be a channel of communication between President Zelaya and the de facto regime."

The United States has condemned June's military coup but has not imposed economic sanctions.

bk/dpa/epd/kna

Editor: Jennifer Abramsohn