Madagascar: Ban Calls Implementation of Political Road Map

New York, Sep 21 2011 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the accord in Madagascar that is aimed at settling the country’s prolonged political crisis and called for the deal’s implementation so that free and fair elections can be staged soon.

Political parties in the Indian Ocean nation signed a road map on Saturday in an agreement brokered by mediators with the regional Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The road map allows for the unconditional return from exile of the former president Marc Ravalomanana – deposed in a coup in early 2009 led by Andry Rajoelina, the interim national leader, after weeks of unrest – and for the establishment of transitional institutions ahead of elections, according to media reports.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban commended the agreement and stressed the need for its “full implementation in order to pave the way for peaceful and credible elections.”

The Secretary-General urged all Malagasy political parties to concur quickly on the composition of a transitional government, and called on the country’s partners to assist in that process.

Mr. Ban also pledged the continuing commitment of the UN to help Madagascar try to consolidate peace.

A previous power-sharing deal reached by Madagascar’s main political groups in late 2009 foundered before it could be implemented.

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

ENDS

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