Madagascar crisis-President commends SADC’s commitment |11 August 2012

“It is an honour to receive the delegations in Seychelles, where we have, in our humble way, tried to assist in finding a solution for the peace and stability of our sister-country, Madagascar. We believe in the need to establish peace and find the path to progress, and the talks in Seychelles have allowed both parties to make progress and share ideas on the way forward.”

The President made the statement following the full day of talks organised by the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security at the Constance Ephelia Resort, Port Launay on Wednesday.

The meeting between the Madagascar President of the Transition Authority Andry Rajoelina and former President Marc Ravalomanana was hosted by President Michel, and was chaired by President Zuma as chair of the Troika. Also present were SADC executive secretary Tomaz Saloma, Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, Marius Fransman, the Seychelles Foreign Minister Jean-Paul Adam as chair of the Indian Ocean Commission Council of Ministers, as well as representatives of Tanzania, the co-chairs of the Troika.

Meanwhile in a separate press statement, the SADC notes that the meeting took place “in a peaceful and serene environment”. 

“Discussions were cordial and the participants displayed good leadership and determination in the full implementation of the Roadmap. All the parties were satisfied with the progress that had been made in search for a lasting political solution in Madagascar,” says the SADC statement.

“During the meeting, convergence emerged from the positions expressed by the two parties. In this regard, the meeting resolved to consult with all the stakeholders and signatories to the Roadmap with the view to solicit their views in the light of the outcomes of the meeting between H.E Andry Rajoelina and H.E Marc Ravalomanana in order to report to the Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Maputo,” adds the statement.

The statement further says that the meeting expressed gratitude to President Jacob Zuma for the focus and efforts he put in search for a lasting political solution in Madagascar and to H.E President James Michel, the government, and the people of Seychelles for their generosity and hospitality.