Rival camps hold rallies in Madagascar´s tense capital

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-15-2009 08:59

The two rival politicians bidding for power in Madagascar have held simultaneous rallies in the capital. Diplomats and religious leaders are discouraging such shows of strength in order to ease tensions and give negotiations a chance to work.

A supporter of Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajoelina rallies in the main square of the Madagascan capital. Madagascar's  political rivals have begun talks aimed at ending weeks of  unrest that has paralysed the Indian Ocean island and claimed  nearly 100 lives, a French envoy said Thursday. (AFP/Walter Astrada)

About 35,000 attended a pro-government rally for President Marc Ravalomanana. He has promised to order an international investigation into the events of February 7th, during which at least 25 opposition supporters were killed.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Andry Rajoelina drew about 10,000 people to his rally on Saturday claiming that he would start putting his own government in place on Monday.

He also repeated calls for the president to step down. He's accused Ravalomanana of misspending funds and has blamed the president for the civilian deaths last week.

Editor:Shi Taoyang