/ 3 September 2009

Madagascar opposition wants army to head transition

Madagascar’s opposition on Thursday said the military should occupy the top three posts of a power-sharing government but it was not immediately clear how the positions would be allocated.

The Indian Ocean island’s power brokers have failed to agree on who should be president and prime minister of a consensus government mandated to steer the country towards fresh elections after months of political turmoil.

”When it comes to the deadlock surrounding the three key posts of president, vice-president and prime minister, the military should take their responsibilities,” former president Albert Zafy told reporters.

”This is for us the solution to resolving this crisis,” he added on behalf of the Indian Ocean island’s three opposition movements.

It was not immediately clear whether Andry Rajoelina, who toppled former leader Marc Ravalomanana in March with the help of dissident soldiers, would accept the proposal, nor whether the military would be in agreement.

Zafy said he was not calling for a military regime but a government with both civilian and military members.

Madagascar’s leaders have until Friday to present mediators with a solution to end a crisis that has cut economic growth, scared off tourists and alarmed investors. — Reuters