§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Madagascar with regard to the prospects of avoiding conflict in that country. [52321]
§ Mr. MacShane[holding answer 26 April 2002]: We welcome the signature of the Dakar Accord on 18 April 2002 by President Didier Ratsiraka and presidential candidate Marc Ravalomanana. Both parties have agreed to form a transitional government of national unity, to work together through dialogue to find a sustainable solution and to bring to an end to the violence and the various blockades which have brought Madagascar to a virtual standstill. Both parties need to live up to this undertaking. We will continue, with our EU and international partners, to monitor developments.