Madagascar talks extended

There was a little set-back in the negotiations to resolve the Madagascar political impasse, but it is all better now...

Madagascar's leader returned to power-sharing talks on Friday, hours after storming out, reviving hopes the Indian Ocean island's political rivals might broker a deal on forming a unity government.

Andry Rajoelina said international mediators had assured him an agreement which saw him retain the office of president, struck last month between the country's main political movements, would remain in place.

That's not going to sit well with the camp of Marc Ravalomanana, and likely as not the same goes for the exile factions negotiating for the advantage of their respective sides.

Resumption of E.U. aid to Madagascar depends on an acceptable (to the Europeans) resolution to this stand-off. Talks will continue until November 7th, according to the lead international negotiator.