Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya, who has taken refuge in
Brazil's Embassy in Tegucigalpa, has accused the interim government of
using toxic gas to poison those inside the embassy.
A doctor was
seen treating people at the embassy Friday. Mr. Zelaya charged that gas
caused breathing difficulties and bleeding.
The
caretaker government of Roberto Micheletti denied sending toxic gas
into the embassy. Mr. Micheletti told the Associated Press during an
interview Friday that international treaties on diplomatic relations
are being "obeyed in every possible way."
Mr. Micheletti
accused Mr. Zelaya of taking a hardline position that is stalling talks
on resolving the political crisis. He said the ousted president told
negotiators the only options are "restitution or death".
Mr.
Zelaya took refuge at the embassy Monday, after secretly returning to
Honduras where the caretaker government has threatened to arrest him.
Honduran security forces are surrounding the embassy.
The U.N.
Security Council held an emergency meeting Friday and condemned what it
called "acts of intimidation" by the Honduran government against the
Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa.
Army-backed authorities forced
Mr. Zelaya out of the country nearly three months ago, saying he was
trying to illegally change the constitution in order to extend his stay
in power.
The international community has refused to recognize
the interim government and has called for Mr. Zelaya to be reinstated
with limited power until a presidential election is held.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.
