afrol News, 9 February - Leaders of the waring parties in Madagascar have declared willingness to get back to peace talks and settlement, the UN offical has announced.

President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar and the Mayor of the capital, Anatananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, are reported to have committed to start a United Nations-facilitated dialogue and to resolve their differences peacefully, reports revealed today, after numerous dialouge sessions in the countries capital.

The commitment comes after almost 100 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the Indian Ocean island nation over the past week amid a dispute between the two leaders.

The latest incident occurred on Saturday when nearly 30 people were killed and dozens wounded during anti-government protests in Anatananarivo.

Reports confirmed that, Assistant UN Secretary-General for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios, who was dispatched last week by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to assess the situation and explore how the UN could help, met today in the capital with President Ravalomanana and Mayor Rajoelina.

“Both parties deplored the loss of lives and agreed to put an end to the violence,” UN spokesperson Michele Montas told reporters.

“They declared that they are committed to start a UN-facilitated dialogue and to resolve their differences peacefully.”

She added that Mr Menkerios will continue consulting with all stakeholders and exploring how best the UN can support this dialogue process and contribute to national reconciliation.

Mr Ban, in a statement issued yesterday, had condemned Saturday’s tragic events and called on all concerned parties “to resolve their differences through peaceful and democratic means and through the exercise of responsible leadership.”

By staff writer

© afrol News

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