Honduras ex-leader Manuel Zelaya begins exile in Dominican Republic

Hundreds of supporters, many waving flags, watched him leave the airport in the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa.

His departure marks the end of efforts to return to office after soldiers forced him into exile at gunpoint on 28 June over a constitutional dispute.

Newly-elected President Porfirio Lobo had offered him safe passage.

Under a deal struck by the two men, Mr Zelaya agreed to fly to exile as a way to avoid prosecution in Honduras on charges that he violated the constitution while in office.

Mr Lobo said the measure - first proposed months ago in failed mediation talks in Costa Rica - was needed as part of a process of reconciliation.

Mr Zelaya travelled to the Dominican Republic on the presidential plane, accompanied by the country's president, Leonel Fernandez, who attended the swearing-in ceremony for Mr Lobo hours before.

Mr Zelaya's wife, Xiomara Castro, his two young sons and his political advisor, Rasel Tome, also travelled with him.