France reaffirms support to SADC plan to end Madagascar crisis

'France reaffirms its support for this plan on which it expects a decision from SADC governing bodies,' Mr Valero told a press briefing.

The plan was negotiated by former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano, who is the SADC facilitator in the Malagasy crisis.

The plan agrees the confirmation of Rajoelina as the transition president, the setting up of a national unity government, the reopening of the electoral register and the drafting of a new electoral bill with the help of international experts.

The plan also agrees the appointment of a consensual Prime minister, as well as the drafting of a new status for the country’s ex-presidents.

Mr Rajoelina has been seeking international support for the SADC plan.

Mr Rajoelina ousted President Marc Ravalomanana with the help of the army in March 2009, triggering the crisis.

Pana 13/05/2011

Paris, France - The French Foreign Affairs minister, Alain Juppé, on Thursday threw his country's weight behind plans initiated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to resolve the political crisis in Madagascar. The spokesperson for the French Foreign Affairs ministry, Bernard Valero, said the French foreign minister told the chairman of the High Transition Authority (HAT) of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, of the French position during a meeting in Paris. He said the French minister and Mr Rajoelina also spoke about the economic situation in Madagascar and the SADC plan negotiated between Malagasy parties.

France reaffirms support to SADC plan to end Madagascar crisis: "France reaffirms support to SADC plan to end Madagascar crisis"