The European Commission expressed its regret on Monday over the military coup in Honduras, urging all parties involved to resolve their differences peacefully and to promptly engage in a dialogue.

"I regret the recent events which have taken place in Honduras," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy, said in a statement.

"We urge all parties involved to resolve their differences peacefully, in full respect of the country's legal framework, and to promptly engage in a dialogue, in the interest of peace and stability in Honduras," she said, adding that the EU stands ready to support the country's institutions in such a dialogue.

The Honduran army ousted President Manuel Zelaya, 56, on Sunday in the first military coup in Central America since the Cold War. Zelaya had reportedly tried to seek constitutional reforms to run a second term.

The UN General Assembly is due to hold an urgent meeting on Monday to discuss the situation in Honduras.

Source: Xinhua