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Talks due on Madagascar stalemate Leaders urge Madagascar solution
(about 7 hours later)
A southern African regional group is to hold talks on the political deadlock in Madagascar, following the collapse of a previous mediation effort this week. South African President Jacob Zuma has opened a regional summit on Madagascar's political crisis with a call for inclusive political dialogue.
The meeting of the Southern African Development Community will be chaired by South African President Jacob Zuma. Members of the Southern African Development Community are meeting after another mediation effort failed.
Officials suspended talks backed by the African Union and the UN on Tuesday, citing a lack of political will.Officials suspended talks backed by the African Union and the UN on Tuesday, citing a lack of political will.
Madagascar's political crisis began as President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted amid street protests in March. Madagascar's political crisis began when President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted amid street protests in March.
He was replaced by 35-year-old opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who seized power with military backing.He was replaced by 35-year-old opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who seized power with military backing.
A spokesman for SADC said delegates would meet in Johannesburg on Saturday to discuss ways to restore order on the Indian Ocean island. "We believe that peace will be achieved if all parties to the conflict are committed to the process," Mr Zuma said in his opening remarks on Saturday.
Neither Mr Ravalomanana nor Mr Rajoelina were invited to attend the talks in Johannesburg, reports said. "It is crucial that there be an inclusive political dialogue, where all the relevant parties and stakeholders have an opportunity to be part of finding a resolution."
Other leaders at the summit included Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Marc Ravalomanana (l) is seeking support for a return to Madagascar
Mr Ravalomanana is living in exile in South Africa, where he has been seeking international support for a return to Madagascar.Mr Ravalomanana is living in exile in South Africa, where he has been seeking international support for a return to Madagascar.
Earlier this month he was sentenced in absentia to four years in jail for alleged abuse of office. He was at the summit, and was expected to meet heads of state in a closed-door session.
A UN envoy told AFP news agency that he wanted SADC to encourage Mr Ravolamana to co-operate more actively in political negotiations.
"We met Ravalamana this morning to stress the point that a negotiated solution is the way forward," said the envoy, Tiebile Drame.
Earlier this month Mr Ravolamana was sentenced in absentia to four years in jail for alleged abuse of office.