For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 8, 2002
Statement by the Press Secretary
The United States applauds the efforts of President Wade of Senegal
in cooperation with the Organization of African Unity and the United
Nations to help resolve the political impasse in Madagascar. The Dakar
Accord was signed on April 18 by both Mr. Ratsiraka and Mr.
Ravalomanana. The Accord provided a sound framework for an open,
transparent, and democratic solution to Madagascar's political crisis
and the President urged the parties to implement it in good faith. The
President welcomes the agreement to return to Dakar May 13 to find a
broad-based, permanent solution to the ongoing political crisis.
It is critical that Mr. Ratsiraka and Mr. Ravalomanana restrain
their supporters from taking further violent actions, dismantle the
barricades, and swiftly restore peace, tranquility, and order in
Madagascar. The President calls upon the two leaders to put national
interests and the interests of the people of Madagascar above their
personal interests. The United States stands ready to assist
Madagascar in implementing a political agreement so that Madagascar's
citizens can move forward and claim the democratic future they desire
and deserve.
# # #
|