The interim government in Honduras says it has lifted the curfew that had been in place since the June 28 coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya.

Ousted Honduras' President Manuel Zelaya during a press conference at the international airport of Comalapa, El Salvador, 05 Jul 2009

The official statement, broadcast on radio and television, said the curfew was lifted across the country Sunday.  It said the curfew had helped restore calm.

In other news, Pope Benedict XVI is calling for peaceful dialogue in Honduras to ensure true democratic life there.  In his Sunday blessing in St. Peter's Square, the pope said he has been following events in the overwhelmingly Catholic country with great concern.

The caretaker government in Honduras has accused Mr. Zelaya of illegally trying to change the constitution in order to extend his term.  The issue has deeply divided the country, and supporters of both sides have held competing demonstrations.  A teenage protester was killed last week.

Deposed President Zelaya traveled from the Dominican Republic to Washington Saturday to discuss the political crisis with officials in the United States. 

Mr. Zelaya met with the head of the Organization of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza, and the top U.S. official for Latin America, Thomas Shannon.

On Friday, representatives of Mr. Zelaya and interim Honduran President Roberto Micheletti met in Costa Rica.  But the talks ended with no solution in sight.

Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, who agreed to mediate the crisis, has said the negotiations will resume soon, without specifying a date. 

Mr. Zelaya is calling for his immediate reinstatement following his forcible expulsion from the country on June 28.  Mr. Micheletti has said he will only discuss the ousted president's return if it involves Mr. Zelaya appearing in court to face charges of treason and abuse of power.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.