US supports Ravalomanana

2002-06-26 11:04

Fiona O'Brien

Antananarivo - A source at the United States embassy in Madagascar said Washington would on Wednesday accord recognition to Marc Ravalomanana, one of two rivals for Madagascar's presidency, as the Indian Ocean's legitimate ruler.

"From now on we intend to conduct state affairs with the government of President Ravalomanana," the source at the embassy in Antananarivo said.

The decision raises the prospect of a major shift in the position of the international community, which has recognised neither Ravalomanana nor his rival, veteran ruler Didier Ratsiraka, so far during their six-month-old struggle for power.

In May, a court declared self-made millionaire Ravalomanana the winner of disputed December elections on the troubled island, ousting long-time ruler Ratsiraka. Ratsiraka contests the ruling and claims his right to power.

The source said a letter from US President George W Bush would be given to Ravalomanana on Wednesday afternoon following annual independence day celebrations in Antananarivo's main stadium led by Ravalomanana.

Self-made tycoon

Madagascar, an island of 16 million the size of Spain and Portugal combined, has been in crisis. For most Madagascans, Ravalomanana is rightful leader even though the international community has not recognised him and Ratsiraka has refused to step down.

The self-made tycoon, who started his career selling yoghurts off the back of a bicycle, controls four of Madagascar's six provinces, but the battle for the north, where Ratsiraka's staunchest allies have put up considerable resistance, has continued.

At least 70 people have died in clashes between the two sides, and analysts had said the violence was likely to get worse. Ravalomanana, still struggling to gain international recognition, will push for full territorial control before trying to negotiate with the international community, they say.

The two rivals agreed in March to a recount of the disputed polls, but when Ravalomanana emerged the victor, Ratsiraka reneged on the deal.

Petrol remains scarce

The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) is pushing for a new round of elections to defuse the crisis, but their views carry little weight on an island which does not really consider itself African.

Ratsiraka, an old-style African ruler who has led Madagascar for 23 years, has moved from the capital to his coastal hometown of Toamasina, where he has great support.

His militias put up roadblocks and blew up bridges on roads leading to Antananarivo to try and strangle the city, most of which have now been dismantled by Ravalomanana's men.

Supplies have trickled back in to the capital, but petrol - which usually comes from a refinery in Toamasina - has remained scarce. On Tuesday, Ravalomanana's government intervened, eager to satisfy a population which has been in crisis for too long.

- Reuters