Madagascar supporters of President Marc Ravalomanana who was overthrown by the opposition and the military. The African Union has condemned the actions of the opposition and the military as a "coup."
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
12:28 Mecca time, 09:28 GMT
Madagascar rivals strike deal
Rajoelina seized power after protests against the president left more than 100 people dead
Madagascar's main political factions have signed a deal to set up a transitional government in an attempt to end months of instability following a coup on the Indian Ocean island.
Tiebile Drame, the UN mediator, said on Sunday that the two sides had "agreed that the transition will last no longer 15 months from the signature of the accord".
During that period legislative and presidential elections will be held under international supervision "which will lead to the re-establishment of stable democratic institutions in Madagascar," he said.
Andry Rajoelina claimed power in March when Marc Ravalomanana, the president, fled into exile following protests that left more than 100 people dead.
Since then, the country has become increasingly isolated as foreign governments have halted aid and sporadic violence has broken out.
Bitter enemies
The composition of the transition government - which is set to include a president, vice-president, prime minister and three deputy prime minister - is still to be decided.
"They will reflect on it and make a decision later," Joaquim Chissano, the former Mozambican leader who led the talks, said.
Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa, reporting from the Mozambican capital, Maputo, said it was still unclear how the rivals would be represented in the transitional government.
"You have two men - Ravalomanana and Rajoelina - who are bitter enemies ... can they put aside their differences for the good of Madagascar?" she asked.
"The army [also] plays a big, big role ... If the army does not buy into this agreement then it could threaten the stability of Madagascar and the future prospects of this transition deal."
Ravalomanana said that although his party would be represented in the transitional administration, he would not have an official role.
"In the interests of the nation, and following consultations, it seems reasonable to me to not participate personally in the transition," he said.
Under the terms of the accord members of the transition government may not run in the elections, expect for its president.
Amnesty agreement
Ravalomanana said however that he would return home to Madagascar from South Africa under the terms of the deal, which grants him an amnesty, although he said he would wait until "the situation is favourable".
The amnesty quashes his corruption conviction, but does not cover any potential charges relating to war crimes, crimes and against humanity, and violations of human rights.
The talks also settled the issue of amnesty for Didier Ratsiraka, a former president and powerbroker. He has been in exile in France since the results of the 2001 presidential election against Ravolamanana were disputed.
He was sentenced to four years in prison in June after being tried in absentia for a "conflict of interest" in the purchase of a presidential aircraft.
In 2003, Ratsiraka was convicted of misusing public funds and threatening state security. He was sentenced to 10 years of forced labour and five years in prison.
The mediation team includes officials from the African Union, United Nations, the International Organisation of the Francophonie (French-speaking countries) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc).
Source: Agencies
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