Wed, March 18, 2009
MOSCOW, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Nigerian counterpart Ojo Maduekwe on Tuesday called for normalization of the situation in Madagascar, local media reported.
The Madagascan army on Tuesday gave power to opposition leader Andry Rajoelina as president of the transitional authorities hours after the resignation of former President Marc Ravalomanana under pressure from the opposition and armed forces.
"We are hoping these attempts will stop and efforts will be made to bring the situation back to the constitutional framework," Lavrov said after talks with Maduekwe in Moscow on Tuesday. He noted that Russia backs the position of the African Union (AU) on the issue.
Maduekwe made a similar call. "We insist on and call for a restoration of constitutional order in Madagascar," said the Nigerian top diplomat, who labeled the forces that have taken over the presidential palace in Madagascar as "illegal and unconstitutional," and their actions "unacceptable."
The AU on Tuesday evening urged the Madagascan parties to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Ravalomanana, respect individual and collective freedom, prevent any act of violence or intimidation and protect property.
The political stalemate between Ravalomanana and Rajoelina, the worst for years in the island country, began last December when Ravalomanana ordered to shut down the radio and television station owned by Rajoelina.
