The United States on Friday welcomed the decision by Roberto Micheletti, interim leader of Honduras, to step down briefly to make it possible in the settlement of political crisis in the Latin American country.

"We welcome that he's going to take a leave of absence," State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood told reporters.

"The announcement allows some breathing space for the process in Honduras to move forward."

Honduras is expected to hold general elections on Nov. 29. The international community calls for the restoration of exiled President Manuel Zelaya's presidency before the elections.

Micheletti said on Thursday that he would briefly step down from Nov. 25 to Dec. 2.