Cape Town, South Africa - South Africa's mediator in Madagascar has criticized the Malagasy government for its continued calls for the arrest of the island's ousted president, Marc Ravalomanana. Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Marius Fransman, who is the chairperson of the SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) organ troika tasked with ending the stand-off between the island’s rival camps, said calling for Ravalomanana's arrest when there were amnesty and reconciliation processes underway is “irresponsible”.

“The leaders must act responsibly to pave the way to free, fair and democratic elections,” he said.

Fransman said Ravalomanana’s return would be delayed until the SADC can resolve the matter of a criminal court verdict against him.

In 2009, Ravalomanana was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder after the presidential guard opening fire on protesters on 7 February 2009, which left at least 30 people dead.

The Malagasy government - led by Andry Rajoelina, who toppled Ravalomanana– prevented Ravolomanana’s South African Airways flight from landing in Antananarivo this weekend.

Meanwhile, Rajoelina has said his government is determined to carry out the arrest warrant issued against Ravalomanana.

In a statement, Rajoelina said his government wants to send “a special plane to Johannesburg to bring Marc Ravalomanana to Madagascar so that he can be brought to ... justice.'

Pana 25/01/2012