The Argentine foreign minister on Thursday called for more international pressure on the Honduran de facto government to force it into a deal with ousted President Manuel Zelaya.

Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana, speaking at a conference of political parties from Latin America and the Asia-Pacific, said most Latin-American countries agree that more punitive steps should be taken against the post-coup government and that Zelaya must be returned to office.

Taiana reiterated that Argentina would continue to support Zelaya's reinstatement and the restitution of constitutional order in Honduras.

He said the Argentine government refuses to recognize any government formed through a coup.

The current Honduran government led by Roberto Micheletti came to power after a June 28 coup that ousted Zelaya. Zelaya, who was forced into exile abroad, insists he has never resigned his presidency, and vows to restore his power.

Representatives of the rival leaders have met three times under the mediation of Costa Rican President Oscar Arias. But the talks failed as the interim government refuses to accept Zelaya's reinstatement.

Source: Xinhua