Ousted leader may return to Honduras

WASHINGTON, July 17 (UPI) -- Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya may return to his country next week, regardless of the outcome of negotiations, a spokesman says.

Eduardo Enrique Reina, who served as Zelaya's private secretary, said Zelaya would announce "other measures" if weekend talks fail to result in his reinstatement, The Hill reported Friday.

Reina presented himself as Zelaya's personal diplomat in Washington during a speech at the National Press Club Thursday.

He said Zelaya would make an announcement within 72 hours of the talks, suggesting the ousted president might return from exile no matter what.

Zelaya was removed from office by the Honduran military June 28 after he proposed changing the constitution to alter presidential term limits through a referendum. The country's top court and legislature opposed the move.

This weekend Costa Rican President Oscar Arias will mediate talks on the situation.