UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday extended a welcome to "the progress achieved in Madagascar towards the establishment of a Government of National Unity," and called on the Malagasy leaders to make more efforts to "ensure that the transitional process runs smoothly."
A statement, issued here by Ban's spokesperson, said, "The secretary-general welcomes the progress achieved in Madagascar towards the establishment of a Government of National Unity. He urges the Malagasy leaders to quickly conclude the negotiations for the appointment of members of the transitional government and make the necessary concessions to ensure that the transitional process runs smoothly."
"The United Nations will remain engaged in the mediation process through the Joint Mediation Team on Madagascar, chaired by former President of Mozambique, H.E. Mr. Joaquim Chissano," the statement said. "It is committed to support the full implementation of the Maputo agreements and a rapid return to constitutional order through credible elections."
Madagascar's opposing political factions have agreed to retain the coup leader as head of the transitional government starting Wednesday but will not allow him to run in presidential elections, mediators said.
African Union envoy Ablasse Ouedraogo said late Tuesday that coup leader Andry Rajoelina will lead the transitional government until an election is held.
"As of tomorrow, Andry Rajoelina is the head of state of the transition," he said.
Mediators converged in Madagascar this week to hold a third round of talks aimed at smoothing over the post-coup political turmoil.
The mediators also appointed two key cabinet posts on Tuesday, installing Emmanuel Rakotovahiny as vice president and Eugene Mangalaza as the new prime minister, replacing Monja Roindefo.
Tuesday's agreement charges the transitional government with preparing for elections. Mediators established during August talks that elections must take place by November 2010.