The UN Security Council has condemned Honduras' de facto government for laying siege to Brazil's embassy in the capital Tegucigalpa. Honduran security forces cordoned off the compound after the unexpected return of ousted President Manuel, who then sought refuge in the Brazilian mission.

Brazil says the building has been surrounded by troops, and electricity, gas and water have been cut off. Mr Zelaya has called on the International Red Cross to help staff who have developed breathing problems and began vomiting, probably as a result of teargas used by Honduran police in an attempt to dislodge people from the embassy. The Security Council has cautioned Honduras not to attempt to remove Mr Zelaya by force. In the meantime, Honduras has accepted new mediation attempts by President Oscar Arias from Costa Rica and Panama's Vice President Juan Carlos Varela, who have been proposed by former US President Jimmy Carter. It is not clear when the two leaders will travel to Honduras.