UN chief urges dialogue to end crisis in Madagascar

Source: Xinhua | 05-05-2009 08:07

UNITED NATIONS, May 4 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged parties in Madagascar on Monday to solve the political crisis through dialogue.

Ban said in a statement issued here by his spokesperson that he remained concerned with the continuing crisis broke out last December, appealing on the authorities to observe human rights and respect the rule of law.

Calling the crisis has led to politically motivated arrests, escalating violence and the loss of lives, Ban reiterated the only solution is the resumption of dialogue among all parties.

He called on parties concerned to fulfill their commitment to resolve differences within the framework of an inclusive process.

"Such dialogue should aim at an agreement on the framework for the transition and the modalities for speedy, credible elections leading to a legitimate government," Ban said in the statement.

Prime Minister under Madagascan transitional authority Monja Roindefo said Friday that his government was ready to accept every offer contributing to get the country out of the crisis.

Previous reports said during the meeting of the Contact Group on Madagascar held on Thursday in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, Madagascan transitional authority had agreed to hold next presidential election before the end of this year.

But Roindefo said the reported declaration was not an official statement from the African Union (AU), and the Madagascan transitional authority will make a decision on the AU proposal at a national consultative conference slated for June.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei