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A powerful pressure group on security, the Group of Research and Information on Peace (GRIP), has slammed the Belgian military for trying to sell 23 helicopters to Madagascar, a country Brussels no longer recognise s following the political crisis that rocked Antananarivo.

The 23 choppers (of the "Alouette II" type), will be sold to Madagascar by the Belgian army through a broker, the deal of which is being shrouded in secrecy.

In a communiqué here, GRIP said the helicopters were being sold to the government of Andry Rajoelina, who organised a coup to topple the democratically-elected president, Marc Ravalomanana.

But the Belgian Defence Ministry said the helicopters were no longer in use by the military and therefore could be sold to any interested buyer.
 
Brussels - 02/07/2009

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