The European Union on Tuesday urged Honduras to solve its current government crisis through negotiations.

"In light of the return of President Zelaya to Tegucigalpa, the presidency of the European Union underlines the importance of a negotiated solution to the current crisis in Honduras," Sweden, which currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, said in a statement.

"The European Union urges all concerned to refrain from any action that might increase tension and violence," the statement said.

The statement expressed firm EU support for the efforts made by the Organization of American States and the initiatives undertaken by OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza to facilitate dialogue and restoration of the constitutional order in Honduras.

Zelaya said at a news conference Monday in Tegucigalpa that he returned to Honduras to resolve the crisis that started when he was ousted on June 28 and sent to Costa Rica by soldiers.

(Xinhua News Agency September 22, 2009)