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<title>CANADA URGES CALM IN MADAGASCAR</title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>March 4, 2002 <em>(4:05 p.m. EST)</em> No. 22</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA URGES CALM IN MADAGASCAR</strong></font></p>
<p>Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie) Denis Paradis today expressed deep concern over the
deteriorating political situation in Madagascar following the release of the results of the country's December 16, 2001,
presidential elections.</p>
<p>"We urge all sides to refrain from violence and to seek a negotiated solution to the current crisis that is in keeping with
Madagascar's legal norms," said Mr. Paradis. "We commend the mediating efforts of both the Organization of African
Unity and La Francophonie toward this end."</p>
<p>Tension in Madagascar has been rising since the December 16 presidential elections. The much disputed results of the first
round of voting show that neither opposition candidate Marc Ravalomanana, nor multi-term president Didier Ratsiraka, has
won 50 percent of the vote, forcing a runoff election. Alleging electoral fraud, Mr. Ravalomanana has refused to participate
in such an exercise and, on February 22, declared himself President. </p>
<p>- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Geneviève Tremblay</p>
<p>Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie)</p>
<p>(613) 944-3403</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221022928/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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