Madagascar´s president installed

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-22-2009 08:54

Andry Rajoelina has been sworn in as the President of the High Transitional Authority of Madagascar. The ceremony was shunned by the international community after the ousting of the elected president.

Andry Rajoelina has been sworn in as the  President of the High Transitional Authority of  Madagascar.

Thousands of supporters turned up on Saturday at a sports stadium in the capital Antananarivo for what the government has deliberately termed an installation. Rajoelina says his priorities are to combat poverty and ensure security, and has promised elections within two years.

But the African Union has suspended the country, and no foreign diplomats attended the ceremony. Former president Marc Ravalomanana resigned Tuesday and placed power in the hands of the military. Within hours, the military announced Rajoelina as the new president.