World

Madagascar tensions ease, president and former mayor meet

by mtammas | February 21, 2009 at 08:51 am

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After several weeks of protests and up to 100 people killed, Madagascar may see tensions ease after political adversaries, President Marc Ravalomanana and displaced mayor Andry Rajoelina, met on Saturday.

Madagascar's president and his political rival have agreed to try to calm tensions that have seen about 100 people killed in the last month.

It was the first meeting between President Marc Ravalomanana and Andry Rajoelina, the sacked mayor of Antananarivo, since the crisis began.

A church group mediating the meeting said the leaders agreed to end violence and political arrests.

There are expected to be further talks, though no date has been set.

The Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar hosted the meeting where the two politicians agreed to a five-point plan to end conflict.

Saturday's meeting was marked by "respect, cordiality and calm" on both sides, said the Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar (FFKM), which hosted the talks.

The body said the rivals had agreed a five-point plan that included ending provocative statements and the spreading of false information.

They also agreed to stop violence, looting, public meetings and arrests "of a political nature".

Analysts say a power-sharing unity government is a likely option for Madagascar now.