Zelaya heads for Honduran border

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, July 24 (UPI) -- Ousted President Manuel Zelaya said Thursday he planned to return to Honduras from Nicaragua within 48 hours.

Hours later, Zelaya was heading for the border, The Miami Herald reported. He planned to spend the night in Esteli, Nicaragua, near the crossing point.

Zelaya was forced out June 28, taken from his bed and bundled out of the country. Interim President Roberto Micheletti has promised his arrest if he returns. Zelaya also may face trial on charges of treason.

Talking to reporters in Managua, Nicaragua, Zelaya urged the Honduran Army not to "stain itself with blood, much less the blood of the president of the republic." He said he would be "flying a white flag of piece."

Riot police and soldiers gathered on the Honduran side of the border and tried to block Zelaya supporters.

Antonio Cartagena said he traveled overnight on a bus forced to stop 9 miles away. He and a few others managed to walk or get lifts to the border.

"We're here to welcome a good man back to the country," Cartagena told the Herald. "The government claims they are not restricting our travel or speech, but what do you call this?"