Madagascar's government quits crisis talks

By Alain Iloniaina
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) - Madagascar's government has quit internationally mediated talks to end its political crisis, rejecting a political amnesty deal that would allow ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana to return to the island.
President Andry Rajoelina said there was no scope to negotiate the homecoming of the exiled Ravalomanana, who he overthrew with support from dissident soldiers in March after weeks of civil unrest.
Although sources close to the talks have said it would be possible to continue dialogue with three out of four political movements, it was not immediately clear how any deal would stick without the government's signature.
Political turmoil has gripped the Indian Ocean island since the beginning of the year, shattering its $390 million-a-year tourism sector, alarming foreign investors and stunting growth.
"The people will not accept an amnesty which makes way for a discussion over the return of Ravalomanana," Rajoelina told supporters on Saturday while touring isolated provinces.
His comments were broadcast on state radio on Sunday.
The African Union's (AU) mediator, Ablasse Ouedraogo, told Reuters he was not aware of the government's withdrawal.
Regional leaders and foreign powers, who generally branded Rajoelina's power-grab a coup, have urged the formation of a consensus government to lead Madagascar into presidential elections as soon as possible.
SHARED POWER?
On Sunday, Ravalomanana's allies called for a return to real-politik and said Ravalomanana could share power with Rajoelina under an interim authority.
"We are absolutely prepared to divide the powers of the executive body," said Raharinaivo Andrianantoandro, spokesman for Ravalomanana's political party.
The multiparty talks have faltered repeatedly as the various delegations set conditions and jostle for position ahead of any eventual pact.
Mediators from the AU and United Nations have failed to broker a compromise on amnesty for political prisoners -- a condition set down by another former leader, Didier Ratsiraka.
Ratsiraka, who fled to France after hotly contested elections in 2001 but remains a kingmaker in Malagasy politics, demanded all politically motivated charges from then until December 2008 be annulled.
Ravalomanana's camp said the amnesty should be active up until the signing of a new charter -- which would shield the self-made millionaire from investigation into alleged crimes committed during this year's uprising. Continued...
Source: Reuters