OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MADAGASCAR

Pretoria, 10 June 2009

Both SADC and the AU have strongly condemned the coup d'état that forced me to leave Madagascar, and have called for a rapid return to constitutional order. Sadly, we are not witnessing a return to order inMadagascar. And it is my fellow countrymen who are suffering the mostunder this illegal regime that has repeatedly refused to heed the calls ofthe international community.

More needs to be done to restore law and democracy, and that includes examining all options, including militaryintervention. As President of the Republic, I have been the strongest advocate of dialogue and restraint during these turbulent times. I remain committed to finding a peaceful solution through dialogue so long as progress is beingmade and there are indications of positive results to come. However, I am very troubled by reports of human rights violations in Madagascar that continue to this day.

Numerous political prisoners remain jailed, violence is still being used as a weapon to terrorize the people of Madagascar, and there are reports of new abuses against Malagasy people that occur eachday. I will not stand by and continue to let an illegal regime brutalize the Malagasy people.First and foremost, I fully support the restoration of peace, law and security in Madagascar. I remain committed to ensuring that my fellow Malagasy country men feel safe and secure. This is not the situation in Madagascar under the illegitimate regime.

There is a problem when the President of the country continues to receive assassination threats on aregular basis, as I have continued to receive to this day. The security issue needs to be resolved before all else for all Malagasy people. Criminal acts, brutality and threats against innocent people will not be tolerated.Second, the return of democracy must follow quickly. Our country cannot afford to be a pariah that it now is in the international community owed to the illegal acts of a few. Too much is at stake for the Malagasy people.

Through inclusive and well-intentioned dialogue, I am confident all Malagasy can work through our problems.Lastly, I fully support the strong statements in reference to Madagascar made by the International Contact Group on 30 April in which they "called on all members of the international community to refrain from any actions that could complicate efforts to restore constitutional order in thatcountry". While all genuine international efforts to help resolve thiscoup d'état are welcome, we must not allow the dialogue to be hijacked or influenced by those parties who are pursuing ulterior motives.

This doesnot serve the interests of the Malagasy people and I will not tolerate selfish behaviour on the part of individuals or external parties at the expense of the Malagasy people.On the subject of my return, I have the support of the international community to be fully involved in the process of restoring order to ourcountry. This continues to be defied by the illegal regime. They havethreatened me with jail, fines, and even the death penalty - that has onlyserved to complicate any forthcoming solution. However, the day nears whenI will be able to return and be a positive factor in restoring peace and stability for my fellow country men. Peace and blessings to the Malagasy people.

His Excellency, Marc Ravalomanana President of the Republic of Madagascar