Pretoria - The SADC Troika Organ is to have talks with Malagasy authorities today to discuss details of former ousted President Marc Ravalomanana's attempt to return to the island.
Department of International Relations Deputy Minister Marius Fransman said on Tuesday just ahead of the meeting, that although in the last few months an interim unity government had been formed, the outstanding issue was that of Article 20 of a roadmap which states that all political exiles must return home unconditionally, including the former president.
The interim unity government comprises President Andry Rajoelina, the country's prime minister and speaker of Parliament, among others.
The bone of contention between the parties is the court judgement against the former leader that will see him being arrested should he return to the island nation.
Last week, Ravalomanana boarded a flight to Madagascar but the commercial flight was not given permission to land.
"It is irresponsible for (the Malagasy government) to talk about arrest when amnesty is being discussed," said Fransman, who is a special envoy to the mediation efforts in Madagascar.
"We will now meet role players from which we will give an outcome. We want finalisation of amnesty."
The Troika has brought in legal support to assist.
Asked about Ravalomanana, Fransman said the former statesman hoped that his return to his home country would be speeded up.
"The current government in Madagascar will have to finalise amnesty," said Fransman.
