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Madagascar government satisfied with EU talks
07 Jul 2009 18:48:42 GMT
Source: Reuters
* Government says Brussels trip not at all negative

* Parameters for future dialogue need to be redefined

By Alain Iloniaina

ANTANANARIVO, July 7 (Reuters) - Madagascar's diplomatically isolated government said on Tuesday its trip to Brussels was a success, despite failing to convince the European Union to unblock aid worth over 600 million euros ($840 million).

Prime Minister Roindefo Monja said the army-backed administration remained committed to dialogue to resolve the political crisis that has alarmed foreign investors and stunted growth on the Indian Ocean island.

"The trip to Brussels was not at all negative. The European Union understood the complexity of the political situation," Monja told reporters.

Members of President Andry Rajoelina's government met officials in Brussels to present a "roadmap" to persuade the EU to unblock aid to the world's fourth largest island.

Monja said it would be necessary to redefine the parameters of any future dialogue between Madagascar's feuding leaders.

The EU's director general for aid and development, Stefano Manservisi, has described the proposals as "unconstitutional".

He said on Monday after the meeting that the results were unsatisfactory and the proposals offered no credible prospects for a return to constitutional order in the short run.

The international community, which generally labelled former disc jockey Rajoelina's army-backed seizure of power in March a coup, has pushed for an inclusive government, but African Union-led crisis negotiations failed last month.

Several key donors including the United States, Norway and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have suspended non-emergency assistance since Rajoelina, 35, ousted Marc Ravalomanana and set up an interim government.

(Writing by Richard Lough; editing by David Clarke)
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