Honduras' interim gov't lifts curfew

However, the curfew, imposed since the June 28 coup, was maintained in areas around Honduras' border with Nicaragua to guard against Zelaya's return.

    Government spokesman Rene Zepeda said the curfew would continue in El Paraiso in the east, and Concepcion de Maria, El Triunfo and Guasaule in the south, from 6 p.m. (0000 GMT) to 6 a.m. (1200 GMT).

    Honduras plunged into a political crisis when Zelaya was forced into exile after angering the army, the legislature and judiciary by seeking a constitutional amendment that would allow him to seek re-election. Zelaya had denied such intention.

    Meanwhile, Zelaya, whose return to Honduras as president has been rejected by the interim government, continued his efforts to garner international support. He was to visit Mexico next week at the invitation of President Felipe Calderon.

    Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa urged the reconciliation between the Honduran interim government and Zelaya.

    However, Honduras' interim government on Friday toughened its stance, threatening "reciprocal" measures after the U.S. embassy revoked visas for four Honduran officials.

   The United States has refused to recognize the government led by post-coup leader Roberto Micheletti. The U.S. said it was reviewing the visas of all officials in Honduras' interim government.

    On Thursday, at least six people were injured and 88 were detained during demonstrations. Police have said they will immediately disperse any kind of protests; Kazinform refers to Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com . for full version.