TEGUCIGALPA (Honduras) - A TOP diplomat said on Thursday he is heading to Honduras to demand the return of the president toppled at gunpoint - a mission he said is likely to meet rejection, bringing diplomatic and economic punishment for the impoverished Central American nation.

Giving a first hint of flexibility, Roberto Micheletti, who was sworn in after the Sunday coup, said on Thursday that he would be open to moving up presidential elections from their scheduled date of Nov 29 if it would ease the crisis. However, he did not mention any date and neither Mr Zelaya nor any international body has formally proposed that.

The OAS says it will suspend Honduras if Mr Zelaya isn't back in office by Saturday, bringing sanctions that could block international aid to one of the poorest nations in the hemisphere.

Neighbouring countries have imposed trade blockades, major lenders have cut aid, the Obama administration has halted joint military operations and all European Union ambassadors have abandoned the Honduran capital.

That has left few channels for negotiating a solution.

Pro-Micheletti congresswoman, Marcia Villeda de Facusse, said the new foreign minister, Enrique Ortez, had been placed in charge of meeting with visiting OAS officials once they arrive, and that he would use 'abundant proof to try and show that Mr Zelaya violated our laws and that his government damaged everyone in the country.'

Mr Insulza said he would not meet with members of Mr Micheletti's government to avoid legitimizing it. But he will meet with leaders of the Supreme Court and Congress - institutions that approved the coup - 'basically to clarify exactly what our position is.'

Mr Micheletti said Mr Insulza would be welcome in Honduras, and 'If he wants to talk with me, I'll receive him gladly.' -- AP