Ousted President Manuel Zelaya has defiantly stepped over the border from Nicaragua to Honduras vowing to return to power.

Taking the border chain between the two South American countries he symbolically stepped into his former nation. Moments later he stepped back into Nicaragua to avoid being arrested.

Zelaya was toppled last month by de facto President Roberto Micheletti for breaking constitutional rules. Zelaya had angered critics over his alliance with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who is a fierce critic of the United States.

Micheletti had warned the former leader if he sets foot on Honduras soil he will be arrested.

Zelaya told reporters at the border "He should stop being a coward and stop hiding. If they kill me here today, him, and General Romeo Vasquez, should be held responsible for the people and chased by the people immediately.

"Wherever you are Micheletti, the people will find you and take you, listen to me, wherever you are, along with Romeo Vasquez."

It's thought the United States does back a Zelaya comeback, but had warned him against provocation.

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