Ban dispatches UN political aide to Madagascar

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has dispatched a senior UN political aide to Madagascar, following a request from the Government for a more active role by the world body in dealing with the political tensions in the island nation located in Indian Ocean.

Assistant Secretary-General Haile Menkerios, who had been sent to Madagascar in early February to assess the situation, was travelling with Ban in Africa when he was asked to return to the country to continue the UN's good offices work there.

President Marc Ravalomanana and the Mayor of the capital, Anatananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, declared earlier this month that they are committed to start a UN- facilitated dialogue and to resolve their differences peacefully.

Close to 100 people were killed and many more injured in violence that erupted several weeks ago amid their dispute.