20 September 2009

Madagascar's disputed head of state would be addressing the United Nations General Assembly next week. Andry Rajoelina, 35, would also attend the summit on climate change in the US, according to a statement released on Saturday by his interim authority in Antananarivo, the Island's capital.
Andry Rajoelina
The statement said Rajoelina was going "following the invitation of the United Nations Secretary General to heads of state and government on the occasion of the summit on climate change."

He would speak at the UN on Thursday, the statement added, ignoring the fact that Rajoelina is not internationally recognized as Madagascar's head of state, AFP said

He will be accompanied by his foreign, energy and environment ministers. Rajoelina ousted elected president, Marc Ravalomanana last March in a military showdown and has been striving to obtain international recognition.

The African Union suspended Madagascar from membership following the coup, and has threatened sanctions if he fails to implement an accord to form an accepted interim government.

The August 9 accord brokered in Mozambique by the international contact group was foiled by Rajoelina's unilateral appointment of an interim government which was rejected by three other factions.

The contact group is due to meet again in Antananarivo on October 6.

africanews