Madagascar crisis summit opens in S. Africa

Southern African leaders yesterday opened a special summit to seek to end a lingering political crisis in Madagascar with a call to warring politicians to start an "inclusive dialogue".

Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairman, South African President Jacob Zuma is hosting the 15-member bloc meeting over the army-backed ouster of Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Swaziland's King Mswati III and Tanzania's Jakaya Kikwete are among several regional leaders at the summit.

"We believe that peace will be achieved if all parties to the conflict are committed to the process," said Zuma in opening remarks.

"It is crucial that there be an inclusive political dialogue, where all the relevant parties and stakeholders have an opportunity to be part of finding a resolution."

Madagascar, which was suspended from the bloc in March, has no official representation, but fallen leader Ravolomanana, who has been lobbying regional leaders to support his return to power, is at the summit venue.

"He will interact in a closed session with the heads of state," South African foreign affairs spokeswoman Nomfanelo Kota told AFP, adding that Ravalomanana had already presented his case to the bloc's security troika.

Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who seized power with army's blessing on the vast Indian Ocean island three months ago, was not invited.