Madagascar's transitional government
has welcomed African Union calls for another round of negotiations to resolve the deepening political crisis.
The continental body
announced Monday it would convene a third meeting of the International Contact
Group, most likely on October 6, to address the crisis in the capital,
Antananarivo.
The opposition, including several former presidents, wants a new
format for the AU-backed negotiations.
A recent power-sharing agreement
faltered after the former presidents accused President Andry Rajoelina of
constituting a government of national unity without consulting them as part of
the Maputo agreement.
Minister for Communications Augustin Andriamananoro said that Rajoelina is finding ways to end the political
stalemate.
"The
government is trying to preserve the popular choice…when we went to Maputo to
negotiate with the former presidents and the African Union, we tried to protect
the popular choice for the democracy," Andriamananoro said.
He
said the government is open to other options to resolving the political crisis.
"Our
President Mr. Andry Rajoelina is still finding another way how to define the
solution about this political crisis," he said.
Andriamananoro
said the administration is not against negotiating with the opposition.
"I think that we are trying
to do our best. We are talking to those former presidents, but until now, it is
not fit enough to give us the real solution," Andriamananoro said.
He said the government is
seeking international intervention to help end the crisis.
"Now we are waiting for
international help from the United Nations, from America, and from other
countries to help Madagascar people to find a better way to resolve this
political crisis," he said.
Last week the United Nations came
under criticism for inviting President Rajoelina to this week's General Assembly
meeting.
But Andriamananoro
said the invitation should not be construed as recognition of President
Rajoelina.
"The invitation I think
doesn't mean international recognition.
It means that we are taking part about the international decision, and it
is a better way for the Madagascar people," Andriamananoro said.
Meanwhile,
the continental body has warned embattled President Rajoelina about risking
even stricter sanctions now that recent power-sharing efforts have failed.
The
African Union suspended Madagascar as Rajoelina took over the country and
former President Marc Ravalomanana was pressured to resign.
The AU described
Rajoelina's ascension to power as a coup d'état.