Tegucigalpa, Sep 22 (EFE) The de facto Honduran government imposed a nationwide curfew following the return of ousted President Mel Zelaya.

The government's decision was televised while hundreds of Zelaya's supporters gathered outside the Brazilian Embassy where he is staying since Monday.

The government said that the curfew was imposed with an eye towards 'protecting people's tranquility, lives and property'.

The Honduran foreign ministry sent a note of protest to the Brazilian Embassy saying Brazil would be responsible for any 'violent act' occurring 'inside or outside' the embassy.

The note also stated that 'such interference in the private matters of Hondurans is reprehensible'.

Roberto Micheletti, who heads the de facto government, asked the Brazilian government to turn over Zelaya to Honduras.

Zelaya thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the support he received, though he gave no details about how he arrived in national capital Tegucigalpa.

Zelaya said that he wants 'dialogue' to overcome the political crisis.

In Washington, the US State Department confirmed Zelaya's return and appealed to all sides in the dispute to 'refrain from activities that could provoke violence'.

'Of course, we believe that he's the democratically elected and constitutional leader of Honduras,' department spokesman Ian Kelly said.