UN welcomes Madagascar political agreement

SABC 20.04.2002

Kofi Annan, the United Nations (UN) secretary-general, has welcomed an agreement between the government and opposition in Madagascar, calling it "a major step forward" toward resolving the country's political crisis.

Madagascar was plunged into chaos after official results of its December 16 presidential elections showed opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana had not won a majority and would be forced into a runoff with President Didier Ratsiraka.

Election observers had condemned the vote as flawed and Ravalomanana declared himself president, appointed his own government and seized control of the capital, Antananarivo.

The two leaders have signed an agreement in Senegal agreeing to hold a recount of the initial vote and if no one emerges as the winner, to form an interim government under Ratsiraka until a new vote in six months. - Sapa-AP