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Honduras' Zelaya 'heads to exile' Honduras' Zelaya 'heads to exile'
(about 1 hour later)
Deposed Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya has left the Brazilian embassy there and is heading into exile in the Dominican Republic, reports say. Deposed Honduran leader Manuel Zelaya has flown into exile, ending a months-long political crisis in the country.
His departure marks the end of efforts to return to office after soldiers first forced him into exile on 28 June. Hundreds of supporters, many waving flags, saw him off at the airport, live pictures from Telesur TV showed.
Earlier, the newly-elected Honduran President, Porfirio Lobo, promised him safe passage to the airport as part of a reconciliation process. His departure marks the end of efforts to return to office after soldiers forced him out on 28 June.
Mr Lobo was sworn in at a ceremony in the capital, Tegucigalpa. Earlier, the newly-elected Honduran President, Porfirio Lobo, promised him safe passage to the Dominican Republic as part of a reconciliation process.
Under a deal struck by the two men, Mr Zelaya agreed to fly to exile in the Dominican Republic as a way to avoid prosecution in Honduras on charges he violated the constitution while in office. Under a deal struck by the two men, Mr Zelaya agreed to fly to exile as a way to avoid prosecution in Honduras on charges he violated the constitution while in office.
Mr Zelaya boarded a plane, reported to be the official jet of Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez, hours after Mr Lobo was sworn in as president.
He was taken to the airport in a convoy of around 15 vehicles, accompanied by the two leaders.
"See you later Papa Mel. God bless you," read a placard carried by one supporter, using Mr Zelaya's nickname.
He has spent the last four months sheltering in the Brazilian embassy, after returning in secret in September.He has spent the last four months sheltering in the Brazilian embassy, after returning in secret in September.
His June ousting provoked international condemnation but diplomatic attempts to persuade the interim government to allow Mr Zelaya to return to office proved futile.His June ousting provoked international condemnation but diplomatic attempts to persuade the interim government to allow Mr Zelaya to return to office proved futile.
With opinion divided in Honduras and internationally, several nations have refused to recognise the legitimacy of the November election, in which Mr Lobo defeated Mr Zelaya.With opinion divided in Honduras and internationally, several nations have refused to recognise the legitimacy of the November election, in which Mr Lobo defeated Mr Zelaya.
Mr Lobo's first act upon taking office was to sign a decree giving amnesty to the soldiers, politicians and judges who brought about the June coup.
He said the measure - first proposed months ago in failed mediation talks in Costa Rica - was needed as part of a process of reconciliation.