U.S. Condemns Coup d’Etat in Madagascar and Suspends Non-Humanitarian Assistance

 

 

U.S. Condemns Coup d’Etat in Madagascar and Suspends Non-Humanitarian Assistance

 

WASHINGTON, March 21, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Bureau of Public Affairs

Robert Wood

Acting Department Spokesman,  Office of the Spokesman

 

The United States condemns the process through which Marc Ravalomanana was forced to resign as President of the Republic of Madagascar and Andry Rajoelina subsequently was installed as the de facto head of state as undemocratic and contrary to the rule of law.

This series of events is tantamount to a coup d’etat and the United States will not maintain our current assistance partnership with Madagascar.

In view of these developments, the United States is moving to suspend all non-humanitarian assistance to Madagascar.

The United States has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the people of Madagascar, and we call on them to immediately undertake a democratic, consensual process to restore constitutional governance, culminating in free, fair and peaceful elections.

 

SOURCE : US Department of State