Honduran president says he was kidnapped, flown to Costa Rica

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SAN JOSE, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said on Sunday that he was kidnapped and flown to Costa Rica against his will and he did not sign a letter of resignation.

"I was kidnapped with force, violence and brutality," he told media at a joint press conference with his Costa Rican counterpart Oscar Arias. He said that between eight and 10 hooded and heavily armed soldiers had entered his home and forced him to board a plane without telling him its destination. "I was in my pajamas and did not even have socks on," he said.

"This kidnap is a blow to a nation and a slap in the face for the whole world," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Zelaya thanked Costa Rica for its hospitality and said he had been kidnapped and put on a plane to Costa Rica against his will.

Honduran President Manuel Zelaya attends a news conference in Tegucigalpa, capital of Honduras, on June 27, 2009. Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was arrested at home on June 28, 2009 by troops and was taken to an air force base near the capital Tegucigalpa, Zelaya's private secretary told Xinhua. (Xinhua/David)