Leaders urge Madagascar solution
Jacob Zuma said all parties must be committed to the process
South African President Jacob Zuma has opened a regional summit on Madagascar's political crisis with a call for inclusive political dialogue.
Members of the Southern African Development Community are meeting after another mediation effort failed.
Officials suspended talks backed by the African Union and the UN on Tuesday, citing a lack of political will.
Madagascar's political crisis began when President Marc Ravalomanana was ousted amid street protests in March.
He was replaced by 35-year-old opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who seized power with military backing.
"We believe that peace will be achieved if all parties to the conflict are committed to the process," Mr Zuma said in his opening remarks on Saturday.
"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."
Other leaders at the summit included Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Marc Ravalomanana (l) is seeking support for a return to Madagascar
Mr Ravalomanana is living in exile in South Africa, where he has been seeking international support for a return to Madagascar.
He was at the summit, and was expected to meet heads of state in a closed-door session.
A UN envoy told AFP news agency that he wanted SADC to encourage Mr Ravolamana to co-operate more actively in political negotiations.
"We met Ravalamana this morning to stress the point that a negotiated solution is the way forward," said the envoy, Tiebile Drame.
Earlier this month Mr Ravolamana was sentenced in absentia to four years in jail for alleged abuse of office.
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