Johannesburg, 20 June-(ANA)-A special summit of Southern African leaders to seek an end to a lingering political crisis in Madagascar has opened in Johannesburg with a call for political rivals 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 president Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana three months ago.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Swaziland's King Mswati III and Tanzania's Jakaya Kikwete were among the handful of 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."
SADC ministers were locked in talks after the heads of states adjourned to allow deliberation on two reports delivered by SADC's special envoy to Madagascar and the bloc's security troika.
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.
Ravalomanana had interacted in informal dialogue with some of the summit participants, but had not yet been called upon to officially address heads of states, sources said.
Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who seized power with army's blessing on the vast Indian Ocean island three months ago, was not invited.
The bloc announced the summit on Thursday, following the suspension of mediation efforts by the African Union and United Nations this week. (ANA)
Sudan/Ethiopia