Political Developments in Madagascar

U.S. Department of State (Washington, DC)

DOCUMENT
April 11, 2002
Posted to the web April 12, 2002

Washington, D.C

Statement By Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman

The United States is heartened that President Wade of Senegal has offered to help resolve the political impasse in Madagascar. The United States urges both Mr. Ratsiraka and Mr. Ravalomanana to accept President Wade's invitation to go to Dakar this weekend, and to engage in constructive talks there. The United States remains deeply concerned about the deteriorating political situation in Madagascar, and about the violence and human rights abuses that have ensued.

The United States deplores the formation of militias, attempts to cast the political dispute in ethnic terms, the imposition of blockades around Antananarivo and the wanton destruction of the nation's bridges and transportation infrastructure.

We urge Mr. Ratsiraka and Mr. Ravalomanana to restrain their supporters from taking further violent actions. We call upon the two leaders to put national interests and the public welfare above their personal interests, and to resolve the dispute peacefully.