Within the framework of efforts to find a consensual, inclusive, and durable solution to the crisis in Madagascar, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mediator, Joaquim Chissano, with the support and facilitation of the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, convened a meeting of the Heads of the four political movements of Madagascar in Pretoria, South Africa, on 28 April 2010.

The four Malagasy political Heads arrived in Pretoria last night. The SADC Mediator has been conducting extensive consultations on a one-to-one basis with the parties concerned, to secure an agreement to unblock the current political impasse and to move expeditiously towards the restoration of the constitutional order in Madagascar.

Furthermore, the African Union (AU) and the SADC, as guarantors of the peace process, are represented by the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr Jean Ping and the SADC Executive Secretary, Dr Tomaz Salamao.

Following the consultations with the SADC Mediator, the parties are expected to meet with President Zuma later today. A media briefing by the SADC Mediator will take place following the conclusion of the discussions at a time and venue to be determined.

Issued by the Office of the SADC Mediator,
PRETORIA, 28 APRIL 2010