The Secretary-General welcomes the signing in Maputo yesterday of agreements providing a framework for resolving the political crisis in Madagascar. He congratulates the four leaders -- Andry Rajoelina, Marc Ravalomanana, Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy -- for committing to a peaceful transition under a Government of National Unity. He urges them to quickly agree on its composition and on the establishment of the institutions of the transition leading to credible elections and the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Madagascar.

The Secretary-General congratulates former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano and the Joint Mediation Team for Madagascar composed of the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF) and the United Nations, for their successful efforts to facilitate these agreements. He joins them in appealing for all political actors in Madagascar to build on the Maputo consensus and to work for the prompt implementation of the agreements.

The United Nations is ready to support the implementation of the agreements, in cooperation with the AU, SADC and the OIF and with the assistance of the International Contact Group and the wider international community.