SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES RECENT LOSS OF LIFE IN MADAGASCAR,

 

CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT POPULATION

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has been closely following the situation in Madagascar, as a result of serious unrest and the death of dozens of people that took place in Antananarivo and elsewhere recently.  He is concerned about the security of the population and deplores the loss of life there.

The Secretary-General calls on the Malagasy Government to place an absolute priority on the protection of the population.

It is up to the Malagasy parties to settle their disagreements through peaceful means and an inclusive dialogue.

The United Nations reiterates its offer of support to the dialogue process and to national reconciliation.

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For information media • not an official record