Ratsiraka calls on west to oust his rival

(14 Jun 2002)

1. Exterior of residence of former Madagascan president Didier Ratsiraka
2. Foyer of residence, zoom in to Ratsiraka's name on door bell
3. Ratsiraka walking in to room
4. Sitting down
5. Cutaway
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Didier Ratsiraka, former Didier Ratsiraka:
"I wish that superpowers in the western countries would impose a second (election) round in Madgascar. They are in a position to do that madam, they are in a position to do that. And it's a pity that nobody condemned this act of Ravalomanana because this is a coup d'etat, there is no other name, this is a coup d'etat."
7. Cutaway Ratsiraka
8. Ratsiraka using mobile phone
9. Ratsiraka reflection in mirror, pan to Ratsiraka
10. Various of Ratsiraka leaving after interview

STORYLINE:

Madagascar's former president, Didier Ratsiraka, has called on the west to oust his rival, disputed president Marc Ravalomanana, who he accuses of staging a coup.

Speaking on Friday from France, where he goes every few months for medical treatment, Ratsiraka criticised western powers for not condemning Ravalomanana.

On Friday, forces loyal to Ravalomanana captured one port city, and appeared poised to seize another, a day after Ratsiraka left the country for what he said was a short trip abroad. Ravalomanana supporters claim Ratsiraka has gone into exile.

Madagascar has been split between two governments and two militaries since disputed results were announced from December 16 presidential elections. Ravalomanana was sworn in as president last month after a recount that Ratsiraka has rejected.

Ravalomanana's forces control the inland capital Antananarivo, while troops loyal to Ratsiraka were in control of all the island's major ports.

Ravalomanana's soldiers captured the southern port town of Tulear on Friday, according to Ravalomanana's military officials. The town's fall was confirmed by local supporters of Ravalomanana's rival, former President Didier Ratsiraka.

On Thursday, Ravalomanana's forces gained control of Betsiboka Bridge, about 210 kilometres (130 miles) north of the capital.

On Friday they took control of the airport outside the northern port town of Mahajanga - about 400 kilometres (250 miles) north of Antananarivo - and flew in reinforcements, Ravalomanana's officials said.

Nearly 40 people have died in political violence since the election, according to civil rights officials.

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