Verklaring Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton over politieke situatie Madagaskar (en)

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative, who has followed with concern the recent events surrounding the return of former president Ravalomanana to Madagascar, reaffirms her support for SADC's mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in Madagascar.

She notes and supports, in its entirety, the statement of the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika dated 26 January 2012, stressing the importance for all political parties in Madagascar to accelerate the implementation of key elements in the roadmap, within the time allowed and in keeping with the letter and spirit of the roadmap.

The High Representative, who was pleased with the satisfactory progress made to date on the gradual establishment of the transition institutions, reiterates the EU's willingness to give political and financial support to the ongoing transition process, in close cooperation with the international community, provided that this process is consensual and leads to the holding of credible, free and transparent elections allowing a swift return to constitutional order."