Andry Rajoelina sur TV5 Monde - 14 mai 2011

Andry Rajoelina on TV5 World, May, 14^th, 2011 : “We should not merge forgiveness and amnesty”

Andry Rajoelina, President of the Transition of Madagascar, was l'invité of TV5 World’s News, on May 14th, 2011. Here is the translation in English of questions/answers of the day.

TV5 World: You are malagasy president of Transition, then let us remind of it for our viewers, Madagascar is plunged for two years into a serious political crisis since your accession in power, fort of the support of the Army. Since, the authorities of Transition are not acknowledged by the international Community. You were in Turkey at the beginning of week, you are since Thursday in Paris, you had been accepted by French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alain Juppé, then by the General Secretary of the OIF (International Organization of the French-speaking world), mister Abdou Diouf. What do you try to persuade? What you are the man of situation to take out Madagascar from crisis?

President of the High Authority of Transition (PHAT): « Madam Bonjour! Listen! In Madagascar, for two years really, there had been a popular uprising in 2009, but what is important to signal but especially to mean, it is that last November, the malagasy People expressed themselves across the adoption of the New Constitution of the Fourth Republic. And in the transitional dispositions of our Constitution, it is clear, it is stipulated that I aim Transition up to the advent of a new President of the fourth Republic. Today, Madagascar does not need weapon to resolve its problem. Madagascar just needs accompaniment for the next presidential and legislative elections, which we intend to organize this year ».

TV5 World: Precisely, on May 20th, the Community of the States of Southern Africa meets in summit. It acknowledges you as president de Transition up to the next elections. Without fixing therefore of date. What is your calendar?

PHAT: « It is a call which I throw to all Leaders and Heads of state, members of the SADC: it is not, in interest of whoever it is to extend crisis in Madagascar. Look at what took place in Tunisia and in Egypt. There had been a popular uprising. It is exactly as what took place in Madagascar. What we need today, it is precisely to organize elections as soon as possible. And it is wish, aspiration of the malagasy People ».

TV5 World: As soon as possible? This means what? Give us a date.

PHAT: « In Madagascar, the organization of elections should take place between May 1st and November 30th. But beyond, that is to say, from November 30th till April 30th, it is the season of rains. Therefore, we will not be able to organize elections ».

TV5 The World: Therefore, November 30th at the latest?

PHAT: « At the latest, November 30th ».

TV5 The World: Eight (08) political groups accepted the Road map of the Community of the States of Southern Africa. On the contrary, opposition, her, always opposes to it. What do you answer opposition?

PHAT: « There are those who want to go towards elections today to Madagascar. There are those who also want to put an end to crisis in Madagascar. There are those who want in no way and those who do not want to participate in elections. As for us, what interests us, it is the future of the country, the future of Madagascar, that is a big country with a lot of potentials. What they say to them today, it is that it is necessary to return power to the People, that is to say, it belongs to the People to decide on future and on the destiny of Madagascar, by means of elections ».

TV5 World: Then, the Parliament of Transition is in session nowadays. It leans over the franchise act precisely, but also over other very political Laws, among which that of amnesty, a stake of size which counts for those who like to go back on the front of the political stage. Are you really motivated so that this point, amnesty, is legislated?

PHAT: « Of course. We should not merge forgiveness and amnesty. Because amnesty, in the international rules, all that is murder or genocide is in no way amnistiable. Therefore me, I am, precisely, for forgiveness but not for impunity ».

TV5 World: Can we imagine that Mark Ravalomanana comes back to Madagascar while he is in banishment in South Africa today?

PHAT: « As regards the ancient President, you know that the People claimed social justice. You should not forget that it is the People who brought it to power but he answered by weapon. For me, it is unpardonable because it is a high treason, fact to use weapon against his fellow-countrymen ».