"After yesterday's riots, roadblocks have been reinforced in downtown Antananarivo preventing demonstrators from reaching 13th May Square. We are shaken by the riots in which a person was killed and the police arrested dozens" said sources from Radio Don Bosco to MISNA, adding that two boys (aged 12 and 16) were killed yesterday in Ambositra (200km south of capital) after the police tried to disperse a protest. After yesterday's cabinet meeting, president Marc Ravalomanana promised Malagasies that he would "restore peace and security as soon as possible and especially in the capital", asking people to "respect the law and not cross boundaries because I shall no longer tolerate transgressions" said international media sources. As for the opposition led by former mayor Andry Rajoelina, the tougher security measures have made it impossible to reach the capital's political centre. Meanwhile, as of this morning, the 'Viva' radio station, owned by Rajoelina, has stopped broadcasting while 'Radio Antsiva', a private radio station which favors the opposition is only broadcasting musical programs after reading a letter issued by the ministry of communications responding to programs that incited the people to civil disobedience. As for the rumors that there is a possible arrest warrant against Rajoelina and his closest collaborators, local sources told MISNA that the former mayor is in his house in the capital and that should nay such arrest procedures actually exist, they are not clear. Meanwhile, yesterday, a new special UN envoy, Malian "Tiébilé Dramé, who shall follow the negotiations between the two contenders, which were suspended last 25 February, arrived. However, the talks continue, as sponsored by the Council of Christian Churches of Madagascar (FFKM); the Malagasy mediation group and some member of civil society shall soon meet the delegations of the two parties.
[AB]