Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Madagascar

NEW YORK, January 17, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Secretary-General welcomes the decision by Mr. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Transition in Madagascar, not to run in the forthcoming presidential elections planned for May 2013.

President Rajoelina's decision, as well as the earlier pledge by former President Marc Ravalomanana, should help facilitate the conduct of free and credible elections to bring an end to the transition. It will be important to uphold the electoral calendar adopted by the National Independent Electoral Commission of the Transition (CENIT). It is also critical that the 2011 roadmap to end the crisis, particularly provisions related to confidence-building measures, is fully implemented. The United Nations stands ready to continue supporting the government and the Malagasy people.