Malagasy President Meets With Colin Powell

VOA News 27.05.2003

The president of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana, has met with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The two men met earlier Tuesday in Washington, D.C..

After their meeting, Mr. Powell congratulated Mr. Ravalomanana on his election victory and said the United States will work with the nation as it moves forward. An election dispute plunged Madagascar into chaos and near civil war last year until a ballot recount and the nation's high court declared Mr. Ravalomanana the winner.

Mr. Powell also said Washington would support President Ravalomanana in his efforts to institute political and economic reforms and to improve the lives of the Malagasy people.

For his part, Mr. Ravalomana said he was glad to be in the United States and to meet his American colleague. Mr. Ravalomanana is visiting the capital city through Friday.