The Honduran cardinal and main leader of the Honduran Catholic church, Oscar Andres Rodriguez, Saturday urged ousted President Manuel Zelaya not to come back to Honduras.

In a televised speech, Rodriguez warned that the return of Zelaya could lead to a blood bath.

"I know you love and respect life, at this moment only a Honduran citizen has died, please meditate your decision, because later it could be too late," he said.

He also urged the Organization of American States (OAS) to investigate all the "illegal deeds" that happened during the rule of Zelaya.

"Our people ask themselves why (OAS) has not condemned the war threats made against us by other countries," said the religious leader, referring to recent statements of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

"We have the right to choose our own destiny without external pressure of any kind and look for solutions that promote common welfare, we reject military threats or blocks of any kind that will only make the poorest people suffer," he said.

The cardinal also called on the new government to promote national reconciliation and let aside revenge, pursuit, violence and corruption.

Rodriguez Friday had a meeting with OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza who was in the country on a mediation mission.

Source: Xinhua