Honduras' interim Pres. Roberto Micheletti speaks at a press conference in Tegucigalpa, 08 Jul 2009Talks to solve Honduras' political crisis will continue without thedirect participation of the nation's rival leaders, after a first dayof mediation in Costa Rica ended without a deal.

On Thursday,ousted President Manuel Zelaya and interim President Roberto Michelettimet separately with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias at his home inSan Jose. The two leaders refused to meet face to face.

Afterthe talks, Mr. Micheletti told reporters he was "satisfied" andreturned to Honduras. It is unclear if Mr. Zelaya will remain in CostaRica.

Delegations representing both sides will continue to meetwith Mr. Arias. The Costa Rican leader told reporters that finding asolution to the crisis "could possibly take longer than one might haveimagined."

During Thursday's talks, the two rivals continued to maintain their unconditional right to lead the country.

Mr.Zelaya continued to demand that the interim government immediatelyreinstate him after forcibly expelling him from the country on June 28.

InterimPresident Micheletti told reporters that he will only discuss theousted president's return if it involves Mr. Zelaya appearing in courtto face charges of treason and abuse of power.

The caretaker government has accused Mr. Zelaya of illegally trying to change the constitution in order to extend his term.

The issue has divided the country, where supporters of both sides continue to hold competing demonstrations.

TheUnited States has opposed the ouster and refused to recognize theinterim government of Mr. Micheletti, despite his assertions that Mr.Zelaya was legally removed.


Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.