Madagascar's new president 'suspends parliament'

Madagascar's new president Andry Rajoelina has suspended the activities of parliament, a government spokesman said Thursday.

The cabinet had decided to create a new transitional body to oversee the running of the country during a transition period towards democracy of "not more than 24 months," said spokesman Augustin Andriamananoro after the cabinet meeting.

"In consequence, the activities of the following institutions are suspended by the present order: the senate, the national assembly," he added.

The responsibilties of both bodies would be handled by the government and a two transitional bodies, he said.

"Priority is given to setting up the transition and guaranteeing public order," acting prime minister Monja Roindefo told AFP before the start of the meeting.

Rajoelina has still to appoint 12 ministers to his cabinet, including someone to handle the defence portfolio.

Spokesman Andriamananoro also serves as the post, telecommunications and new technology minister.

Rajoelina, who was confirmed as acting president by the constitutional court after the army handed him power, told reporters late Wednesday that his administration had slapped a travel ban on some outgoing ministers.

And in a speech to 15,000 supporters on Wednesday he promised to tackle poverty on the Indian Ocean island.

Rajoelina, 34, won power after a deadly three-month power struggle with Marc Ravalomanana, his predecessor as president.







Part of Compania Church is reflected in a mirror in Quito, Ecuador, on March 15. REUTERS/Guillermo Granja