President Ma Ying-jeou said Monday that the strong response of diplomatic staff to the absence of Nicaragua's president at a state dinner held for Ma Friday upheld Taiwan's national dignity during his visit in the country. Under pressure from Taiwan's diplomatic officials, who were threatening to recall Taiwan's ambassador to the country, Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega apologized to Ma a day after the perceived snub, explaining he was tied up in talks with exiled Honduran President Manuel Zelaya. Ma accepted Ortega's apology and expressed his understanding of Ortega's absence. Speaking on board his chartered plane as it was heading home to Taiwan after a layover in Hawaii, Ma praised the country's diplomats for safeguarding Taiwan's national dignity by taking strong action on the matter. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco H.L. Ou, who accompanied Ma in the trip, said that the ministry's move to demand a clear apology from Ortega for his absence at the state banquet was based on the principles of equity and dignity. The diplomatic flap marred Ma's Central American trip, which ran into trouble even before it began when a planned stop in Honduras was canceled after a coup that forced Zelaya out of the country. During his visit to the region, Ma commented on the coup, reiterating that Taiwan always upholds democracy and the rule of law and that any behavior counter to democratic practices should be condemned. The president also expressed his support of democracy in Latin America and said he hopes that all sides in Honduras can respect the country's constitutional system and start dialogue in order to resolve the crisis and avoid bloodshed. During his trip, Ma also called for an adjustment in how Taiwan engages with its allies. Aside from providing training programs for military officials from its allies, Taiwan should also offer training in the fields of economy, trade, technology, and environmental protection. Ma and his entourage returned to Taiwan late Monday night after the week-long visit to Panama and Nicaragua. 