(For a TAKE A LOOK on Honduras, click on [nN28343997])

* No decision on U.S. assistance before Monday

* Washington tries to play limited, behind-the-scenes role

* U.S. official praises Zelaya for delaying his return

By Arshad Mohammed and Deborah Charles

WASHINGTON, July 1 (Reuters) - The United States will put off deciding whether to cut off aid to Honduras until next week, allowing time for a negotiated solution that it hopes will reverse Sunday's coup against President Manuel Zelaya, a U.S. official said on Wednesday.

Mindful of its history of intervention in Latin America and, at times, of backing coups, Washington is trying to play a limited, behind-the-scenes role to show support for democracy and for Zelaya' restoration without being accused of meddling.

Washington believes it was "wise" of Zelaya to postpone his planned return on Thursday to the Central American country, the official said.

Zelaya, in office since 2006 and due to step down next year, was ousted in a dawn coup on Sunday after he angered the Honduran judiciary, Congress and the army by his push to extend presidential mandates beyond a single four-year term.