By MARC LACEY - NY Times - July 4, 2009 - TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — The Western Hemisphere’s chief envoy for the crisis in Honduras arrived in this polarized capital Friday afternoon as tens of thousands of people rallied in the streets for and against this week’s ouster of the president.

The envoy, José Miguel Insulza, secretary general of the Organization of American States, faced what he had termed a “very hard” task during his whirlwind visit: restoring Manuel Zelaya to office despite the swearing in of a new government and vehement opposition to his return from much of the population.

“We want to live in peace!” shouted Roberto Micheletti, who assumed the presidency on Sunday after soldiers took Mr. Zelaya from his home and sent him on a plane out of the country. That Mr. Insulza was visiting but refusing to meet with Mr. Micheletti or his unrecognized administration caused intense frustration.

“He should meet with everyone,” said Antonio Rivera, a member of Congress who backs Mr. Micheletti. “This should be about dialogue, not monologue.”

But the O.A.S. has already set a Saturday deadline for Honduras to return Mr. Zelaya to office or face removal from the group, and possibly other sanctions.

Some Hondurans said they were ready for international assistance to dry up. “We’re not going to die of hunger,” said a defiant Elizabeth Zuniga, a member of Congress. “They cannot take our will away.”

Beyond Honduran political resistance, Mr. Insulza faced the challenge of preserving a united front among the 33 other countries.

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