U.N.'s Ban Ki-moon condemns Honduras leader's arrest

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deeply concerned about the latest developments in Honduras and condemns the arrest of the country's constitutional president, a U.N. spokesman said on Sunday.

"He expresses his strong support for the country's democratic institutions and condemns the arrest today of the constitutional President of the Republic," the spokesman said in a statement.

"He urges the reinstatement of the democratically elected representatives of the country and full respect for human rights, including safeguards for the security of President Zelaya, members of his family and his government.

"He calls on all Hondurans to engage peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliation to resolve their differences.

"The Secretary-General welcomes the prompt diplomatic efforts of the Organization of American States, whose Permanent Council is holding a special meeting this morning.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide assistance in overcoming this crisis," he said.