Ousted Honduran president Zelaya calls for supporter entourage in his home-coming

MADRID, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya on Wednesday urged his followers to accompany him in his return to Honduras.

In an interview with the Spanish TV chain Candena Ser, Zelaya requested Honduran people to be with him in his return home after a 72-hours' term -- set by conflict mediator for the coup leader to hand out power -- expires.

The term, which counts since Sunday and will be over within a few hours, was set by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, mediator of Honduras' crisis, to convince Honduras' interim government led by ex Congress president Roberto Micheletti.

Zelaya said that his return to Honduras will start at 2100 GMT on Wednesday.

He said has respected the 72-hour term for "it is supported by the United States, the Organization of the American State and Latin American countries."

Although his return has been rejected by whom he called "coup-mongers," he said himself and his supporters are backed by the people and the international press.

Zelaya also said that that his life will be on risk because the armed forces under the de facto government had made it clear that they would "shoot and kill" if Zelaya tries to enter the country.