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Madagascar hails Annan's visit
17/03/2006 08:54 - (SA)
Antananarivo - United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan on Thursday applauded the island of Madagascar for its good governance and dedicated fight against corruption and poverty.
The Indian Ocean island welcomed Annan on his first visit during a farewell African tour before leaving his post later this year.
At a dinner in his honour at the state palace of Iavoloha, Annan praised the achievements of Madagascar especially in the field of environmental protection, describing it as "a country, which symbolises the cultural diversity so dear to the UN...a country that had progressively affirmed itself as a model of economic recovery and lasting development."
Lasting protection
He had particular words of praise for Madagascar's will to promote, enhance the value of, and provide lasting protection to its exceptional biodiversity, urging the country to continue with the work of preserving its forests and national parks with their rare species.
He said: "Madagascar is exemplary...in the field of protection of ecosystems and environment."
Annan also offered his compliments to the government and people "for their remarkable performance in recent years in respect of good governance".
He emphasised the "progress achieved in the struggle against corruption and in reducing poverty".
International community
Madagascar suffered months of political crisis after 2001 elections that pitted President Marc Ravalomanana's camp against rival and former president Didier Ratsiraka in a dispute that claimed dozens of lives.
Ravalomanana's government, which proclaimed authority during the crisis, was only recognised months later by the international community, a stance Annan had supported.
On Thursday, Ravalomanana received Annan, who flew in from South Africa for the second leg of his African swan song tour.
The president said: "It has always been a dream of mine to receive you here, to show you this country's beauty, potential and determination. Today, this dream has come true."
International arena
Ravalomanana said: "To have here the secretary general of the UN, in a small country like Madagascar, is a great encouragement for us.
"This is evidence that Madagascar is taking its rightful place in the international arena. For this, we are very, very proud."
Annan visited an HIV/Aids prevention centre in Antananarivo, where he called for an increase in awareness about the disease and offered support to patients in the country whose Aids prevalence was rated at 1.1%, according to government statistics.
Annan said: "You have a relatively low rate in Madagascar, but this is not a reason to be complacent.
"The fight against Aids requires a complete mobilisation of society at all levels. We need to work on prevention, care, treatment and to discuss how to help make medication even more affordable to the poor."
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