Calm returns to Madagascar as agreement reached

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 02-22-2009 09:21

Calm has returned to Madagascar's streets as the president, Marc Rava-lo-manana, and opposition leader, Andry Rajoelina, agreed to reduce tensions after weeks of violent demonstrations.

The Christian Council of Churches issues a statement  achieved after the meeting between Madagascan President  Marc Ravalomanana and his rival Andry Rajoelina, in  Antananarivo Feb. 21, 2009. Marc Ravalomanana and Andry  Rajoelina agreed here on Saturday afternoon to stop  provocation and violent demonstration during their meeting, which was the first between the president and the opposition leader since last December, when the current political  crisis began. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

The two held church-mediated talks on Saturday and announced a series of measures to halt the turmoil. These include an end to all types of provocation and misinformation, looting, demonstrations and political arrests.

Rajoelina said demonstrations had been suspended and that a demonstration planned for Sunday had been cancelled. He added that authorities released 51 people arrested on Friday after government troops regained control of four government buildings seized by opposition supporters the day before.

Editor:Xiong Qu