E-MAIL THIS LINK
To: 

Madagascar rivals agree on power-sharing deal
Madagascar's feuding leaders said on Sunday they had agreed a power-sharing deal and would hold elections on the giant Indian Ocean island within 15 months.
What say the cognoscenti: for real, or a hudna?
A communique issued after talks in Mozambique's capital said a national unity government would be set up comprised of a prime minister, three deputy first ministers and 28 members. "They agreed the transition period will not exceed 15 months ... and will end with elections under international supervision that will lead to the restoration of democratic institutions and stability in Madagascar," the statement said.

The deal was struck late on Saturday. Talks continue on Sunday as the leaders and their aides discuss the composition of the power-sharing administration. Former President Marc Ravalomanana, who was toppled in March by his army-backed rival Andry Rajoelina, said he would return to Madagascar but not personally take part in the process.

The agreement also included a section cancelling charges of abuse of office levelled against Ravalomanana after his departure related to the purchase of a presidential jet. "I solemnly declare my total availability to help resolve this crisis," the ousted leader told reporters after days of talks in Maputo. "The Ravalomanana movement will be an integral part of the transition bodies."

The discussions, which began on Wednesday, were the first time he and Rajoelina had met face to face since the coup. Madagascar's political crisis alarmed foreign investors, scared away tourists and cut economic growth. Rajoelina has been shunned by many nations and Ravalomanana, living in exile in South Africa, has insisted he is still the legitimate leader.

Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy, both former presidents, are also attending the discussions in Maputo. They are still seen as influential power brokers, and analysts say they would need to be part of any lasting solution to the turmoil. Before the Maputo talks, Rajoelina had said a presidential poll would be held by the end of 2010, but could take place earlier under the right conditions. The timing of elections and who will be able to contest them have been big sticking points.

Opposition groups had insisted that Rajoelina, who has scrapped the constitution and set up an interim government, must not be allowed to plan a poll unilaterally. The regional South African Development Community bloc had appointed former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano to revive the deadlocked negotiations.
Posted by: Fred 2009-08-10
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=276218