U.S. urges calm in Honduras

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Tuesday called for calm in Honduras and urged the de facto government to respect the diplomatic immunity of the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, where ousted President Manuel Zelaya has taken refuge.

"The United States calls on all parties to remain calm and avoid actions that might provoke violence in Honduras and place individuals at risk or harm," said State Department spokesman Ian Kelly. "We urge that all parties refrain from actions that would lead to further unrest."

Zelaya, who ended almost three months of exile when he snuck back into Honduras on Monday in a bid to return to power, has accused security forces of preparing an attack on the embassy.

Kelly also urged Honduras' de facto government to respect Brazil's diplomatic mission.

"We stress the importance of respecting the inviolability of the Embassy of Brazil in Tegucigalpa and the individuals on its premises," Kelly said.

"Respect and protection for the inviolability of diplomatic premises is a universally accepted principle of international relations," he said.

(Reporting by Deborah Charles; editing by David Alexander and Sandra Maler)