UPDATE 1-Honduras interim govt tells OAS it wants to talk-US

(Adds quotes, details)

WASHINGTON, July 5 (Reuters) - The interim government in Honduras has told the Organization of American States it wants to start talks, a senior U.S. official said on Sunday, as ousted President Manuel Zelaya departed for his country.

Zelaya's plane is expected to be diverted to El Salvador if it is refused landing in Honduras, the official said, calling the situation in the Central American country "very fluid and challenging."

The interim government's request for talks is a welcome step, but it has not said what its goals are for that dialogue, the senior U.S. official said.

Both the United States and OAS have been firm that Zelaya should be allowed to serve out his term as president, the official said.

That said, a number of OAS members urged Zelaya not to return to Honduras on Sunday, the official said.

"We, along with a variety of other countries, made clear last night that we did not think this was wise. That given the situation in Honduras, we did not see how this was going to assist in helping to create a political space for dialogue."

"At the same time, we respect the right of President Zelaya as a Honduran citizen and as the legal and constitutional leader of Honduras to make his own decision in this regard," the official added.

The United States expects Zelaya will return to Washington for more talks on Monday if not allowed into Honduras, the official said.