Managua/Tegucigalpa - Ousted President Manuel Zelaya began travelling the last stretch to the Honduran border as he insisted on returning to his country despite the threat of arrest after mediation efforts failed to end the political standoff.

Zelaya's convoy left Esteli, Nicaragua, near the border to travel the last 100 kilometres to the border at Las Manos.

In the looming confrontation with the post-coup government, Zelaya arrived with a convoy in the border city of Esteli in northern Nicaragua overnight with plans to attempt a crossing into Honduras Friday or Saturday.

He has called on his supporters to mass at the border and accompany him to the capital, Tegucigalpa.

The government of Roberto Micheletti that was installed after Zelaya's removal from power had ordered an overnight curfew along the border and positioned security forces at crossings. Officials have said they cannot guarantee Zelaya's safety and would arrest him when he steps onto Honduran soil.(dpa)