A senior UN official has met with Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana to discuss the recent violence that had claimed the lives of at least 25 people, a UN spokesperson said on Monday.
Assistant Secretary-general for Political Affairs Haile Menkerios, who is now in Madagascar, held talks with Ravalomanana on Monday, during which they deplored the loss of lives and agreed to put an end to the violence, Michele Montas told reporters at UN Headquarters.
They declared that they are committed to starting a UN- facilitated dialogue and to resolving differences peacefully, Montas said.
Mennkerios is consulting with all stakeholders and exploring how best the UN could support this dialogue process and contribute to national reconciliation, she added.
UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, in a statement issued on Sunday, also deplored Saturday's tragic event, in which at least 25 people were reportedly killed and dozens injured.
Ban also deplored the lack of restraint on all sides that led to this tragedy, and urged the Malagasy authorities to urgently initiate a fair process by which those responsible will be brought to justice. He also called on all concerned parties to resolve their differences through peaceful and democratic means and through the exercise of responsible leadership, Xinhua reported.