Madagascar Opposition Leader, President Meet
By VOA News
21 February 2009
Madagascar's opposition leader Andry Rajoelina and President Marc Ravalomanana have met for the first time since the political crisis began in that country last month.
Sources close to the talks say the two had a brief, face-to-face meeting Saturday at a building used by church leaders in the capital, Antananarivo.
There is little information about what was discussed. The opposition leader had planned a rally in the capital for Saturday.
Madagascar has endured nearly a month of turmoil since Rajoelina began an effort to ouster Mr. Ravalomanana. Rajoelina accuses the president of being too authoritarian.
On Friday, Madagascar security forces regained control of four government ministry offices that opposition supporters had taken over Thursday. Police officials say 50 people were arrested during Friday's operation.
Rajoelina has declared himself the country's new leader and has vowed to take over the government.
President Ravalomanana says he remains in charge of the island nation's affairs.
More than 100 people have been killed in demonstrations since the turmoil began. That number includes 28 killed February seventh, when presidential guards fired on protesters who were marching toward the presidential palace.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.
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