Honduran president says willing to pardon coup leaders

The ousted President of Honduras Manuel Zelaya speaks during a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, June 30, 2009. Manuel Zelaya expressed his gratitude toward the international community and tearfully described the last moments in his home country before being thrown onto a plane and whisked away. (Xinhua/Gu Xinrong)

PANAMA CITY, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Honduras President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a Sunday coup, said here on Thursday that he is willing to pardon those who are responsible for the military coup.

"I am a Christian and know how to forgive and pardon," he told a press conference. "The people of Honduras will not forgive, but from me, in my heart, there is no ill-will towards anyone," he said.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Patricia Rodas, he added that he had no enemies during more than 50 years in either private life, business or government.

He added that he would fly from Panama to another Central American nation, although he did not give details, saying it was for "strategic" reasons. He plans to return to his nation at the weekend.

"I would like to call on them to reflect," Zelaya said, referring to the government of Roberto Micheletti, who was appointed president within hours of Zelaya being seized by armed troops and forced to board a plane to Costa Rica.

He said that supporters in Honduras had told him that there had been violent clashes in northern city San Pedro Sula.