This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7935096.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Madagascar army's crisis deadline | |
(10 minutes later) | |
The army chief has given Madagascar's rival leaders 72 hours to solve the island nation's political crisis, which has left more than 100 people dead. | The army chief has given Madagascar's rival leaders 72 hours to solve the island nation's political crisis, which has left more than 100 people dead. |
"We promise to remain neutral," said General Edmond Rasolomahandry. | "We promise to remain neutral," said General Edmond Rasolomahandry. |
He was speaking after a group of soldiers apparently forced the defence minister to resign. | He was speaking after a group of soldiers apparently forced the defence minister to resign. |
President Marc Ravalomanana has also appealed for an end to the violence and admitted making mistakes during the turmoil that has lasted several weeks. | President Marc Ravalomanana has also appealed for an end to the violence and admitted making mistakes during the turmoil that has lasted several weeks. |
"We implore all political players, civil society organisations and other parties to reunite immediately to find a solution within the next 72 hours to help the nation out of the current crisis," said Gen Rasolomahandry. | |
He said the army would take over the running of the country if no solution was found, the AFP news agency reports. | |
The whereabouts of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina are unclear after a French foreign ministry spokesman said he had left the French embassy in Antananarivo. | |
Frederic Desagneaux told the AFP news agency that Mr Rajoelina, a 34-year-old former DJ, was no longer in the French embassy. | |
He refused to give further details, directing enquiries to the United Nations. | |
Earlier, hundreds of government supporters had gathered outside the French embassy, demanding that the opposition leader be handed over. | |
AFP reports they were dispersed by security forces. | |
The BBC's Louvassou Rabari in Madagascar says looting is continuing for a second day in Antananarivo. |