Ravalomanana holds talks with Swazi king on crisis

Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:00pm EDT

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MBABANE, March 24 (Reuters) - Madagascar's ousted President Marc Ravalomanana held talks with the Swazi king before leaders of the regional group SADC meet next week to discuss the crisis in the Indian Ocean island, a Swazi official said on Tuesday.

King Mswati III is current chairman of the security, political and defence troika of the SADC, which will discuss possible sanctions against Madagascar when its leaders meet in the Swazi capital Mbabane on Monday.

"The former president of Madagascar is here in Swaziland. He is fine and talks went well with the chairman of the troika organ, his majesty King Mswati. Nothing has been confirmed as to when he is returning to Madagascar," Clifford Mamba, Swazi foreign ministry principal secretary, told Reuters.

"The visit was to enlighten the chairman of the SADC troika about the situation in Madagascar. This is going to help the chairman of the troika when he meets with the SADC organ on Monday where the matter will be on the agenda."

Asked whether Ravalomanana was seeking exile in Swaziland, Mamba said: "Nothing of that nature was discussed."

Madagascar's army chief said on Tuesday the military was united behind the new president, Andry Rajoelina, and warned he would take steps against anyone spreading rumours of divisions within the ranks.

Colonel Andre Ndriarijaona, who helped Rajoelina oust Ravalomanana, said the army's sole aim was to restore law and order after weeks of civil unrest killed more than 135 people.

Ravalomanana handed over power to the military leadership last week. They in turn conferred power on Rajoelina. (Reporting by Charles Brilliant Matsebula; writing by Michael Georgy, editing by Tim Pearce)





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