Ravalomanana: France’s acknowledgment, at last

As the Malagasy people prepare to move forward to a national reconciliation, without Didier Ratsiraka, France, the former colonial powerhouse, at long last, endorses Ravalomanana as the Island’s legitimate president.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Dominique de Villepin, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared that when it comes to this reconciliation, “it is up to the Malagasy people to come up with the
appropriate formula.”

Dominique de Villepin also announced that within the next few days, or perhaps weeks, Malagasy funds held by Banque de France will be released. Furthermore, he indicated that he would like for all of the Great Island’s
financial partners to put their heads together, and come up
with a plan to reconstruct the country.

Ever the consummate diplomat, Dominique de Villepin pointed out, again and again, the fact that France was the first Malagasy partner to send a member of its government to Antananarivo. This strategic statement was aimed at outmaneuvering those countries which have already officially endorsed Marc Ravalomanana as “President”. Additionally, he kept reiterating
the political initiatives which France has already undertaken, and which were designed to resolve the Malagasy crisis. Among other things, they include constructive dialog, peaceful resolution, collective bargaining steps involving OAU, and support for the reconciliation.

During a luncheon hosted by the French, President Ravalomanana has nonetheless maintained that, despite everything, “there never was a
true break-up of the Great Island’s unity and harmony; the only problem
was an obstinate and abusive refusal, on the part of a very small anti-democratic minority, to abide by the result of a universal election; this was why all avenues of dialog were fully explored before any military offensive was ever undertaken.” This statement was obviously aimed at
countering the many negative misinformation propaganda in which Ratsiraka’s camp attempted to paint to the entire world a rather grim
picture of a nation hopelessly torn and divided, following a contentious election.

Naturally, the Malagasy President was delighted over the fact that cooperation between the two countries have now resumed. Beyond all political and diplomatic considerations, the Island nation will soon have the necessary funds to restart its economy. After all, there is a light at the end of the six month long tunnel.

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana