Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Antananarivo (Agenzia Fides) – Today, April 28, in Pretoria (South Africa) marked the opening of the meeting promoted by France, South Africa, and the SADC (Southern African Development Community) to resolve the crisis in Madagascar. The organizers have proposed a draft agreement that would create a government of national unity to lead the country to elections.
The meeting was attended by the President of the Transitional Authority of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina and former President Marc Ravalomanana. Even former President Albert Zafy arrived in South Africa, while the participation of the former Head of State, Didier Ratsiraka, is still unsure, although a delegation of his movement is present. The meeting was chaired by South African President Jacob Zuma, in the presence of the mediator of the crisis in Madagascar, the former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano, and the Secretary of State for Cooperation Alain Joyandet. According to the Madagascar press, the U.S. Ambassador in Antananarivo is also expected in Pretoria.
The terms remain unknown from the proposal submitted by the meeting organizers, modeled on that offered by France (the "feuille de route") before, apart from creating a government of national union, already envisaged by the agreements of Addis Ababa and Maputo, however never applied.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa states that "the main purpose of the meeting is to reach an agreement that can overcome the current impasse. We hope that dialogue will allow the parties to accept the establishment of a common process leading to free and fair elections, as well as national reconciliation."
The mediators have already had separate meetings with Rajoelina and Ravalomanana, the two protagonists of the crisis. At first, the participation of other political parties was not foreseen.
Meanwhile, in Madagascar, opposition demonstrations against Rajoelina continue and the army, which has already sent signals about a possible direct intervention in the political crisis, awaits developments. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 04/28/2010)
