Tavola Explains Plenary Session Hiccup

The decision by the Madagascan delegate, Marcel Ranjeva, to step down from the joint session of the ACP council of ministers and the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the ACP member states, was received with gratitude by members of the joint council, said Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Mr. Kaliopate Tavola.

There was disagreement at the start of the session on Mr. Ranjeva’s attendance by delegates from the African region

Mr. Ranjeva has been sent by the exiled President of Madagscar, Didier Ratsiraka. Current President, Marc Ravalomanana, who was elected in December last year, has been given recognition by the Organization of the African Union (OAU).

“There was a feeling by the African delegates that there should be no representation from Madagascar in line with the decision taken earlier by the OAU,” Mr. Tavola said.

The disagreement saw the plenary session postponed for two hours while discussion took place with the delegates for a resolution.

“Considering all views around the table, the Madagascan delegate agreed that he step down from the Session,” Mr. Tavola said.

He added that this decision was also based on maintaining the solidarity of the ACP group, and Mr. Ranjeva’s efforts in not undermining the Summit.

The plenary session will conclude tomorrow (18/07/02) with the passing of the draft Nadi declaration, before the start of the two-day Summit proper.