Zelaya has said he will return to Honduras on Sunday accompanied by regional leaders [AFP]

Manuel Zelaya was ousted from power by a coup and forced into exile by the Central American nation's military on June 28 after a dispute over presidential term limits.

The OAS, a hemispheric bloc dedicated to strengthening political co-operation and reforms, had given Honduras until Saturday to restore Zelaya to office.

"The suspension takes effect immediately," Jorge Taiana, the Argentine foreign minister, said, reading the resolution before the body on Sunday.

The move temporarily sidelines Honduras from any participation in the OAS, but obliges it to continue observing the body's rules in areas such as human rights.

Following the OAS announcement, Zelaya said he would return to Honduras on Sunday.

He was removed him from power as he was about to press ahead with a non-binding referendum that his domestic critics said was aimed at changing the constitution to enable him to run again for office.

Regional support

In earlier comments to a local radio station, Zelaya said he would be accompanied on his return by Cristina Fernandez and Rafael Correa, respectively the presidents of Argentina and Ecuador, in addition to several foreign ministers and 300 journalists.

"I ask all farmers, residents, Indians, young people and all workers' groups, businessmen and friends ... to accompany me on my return to Honduras," Zelaya said.

"Do not bring weapons. Practise what I have always preached, which is non-violence. Let them be the ones who use violence, weapons and repression.

Country facts

• Second largest country in Central America
• Population of 7.2 million
• Second poorest country in the region
• Economy forecast to grow less than two per cent this year
• Relies on money from Hondurans in the US for more than 25 per cent of its gross domestic product
• Former Spanish colony gained independence in 1821

Oscar Andres Rodriguez, the highest ranking Catholic Church official in Honduras, urged Zelaya not to come back.

"We think that a return to the country at this time could unleash a bloodbath in the country," Rodgriguez said on national television.

"To this day, no Honduran has died. Please meditate because afterwards it would be too late."

Our Latin America editor said: "It is very difficult to imagine that when Zelaya returns, as he said he will, it will be a bloodless event."

Significantly, before the OAS announced the Saturday deadline, the interim government declared that it was pulling out of the body rather than meet the demand.

"It is better to pay this high price ... than live undignified and bow our heads to the demands of foreign governments," Roberto Micheletti, the interim president, said.

However, OAS officials said that they would not recognise the interim government's decision to withdraw.

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