(30 Apr 2002)
**Please note French commentary and translation overlaid throughout, as incoming**
1. Marc Ravalomanana at podium
2. SOUNDBITE (Malagasy, French interpreter overlaid) Marc Ravalomanana:
"God made our country an island and we were chosen to be together here. We have lived as one for years and for centuries. Everyone knows our solidarity in good times and bad. As such, (phrase in dialect French undecipherable).
I call on the former president to ensure this solidarity because we are all Madagacans. I ask that all forces join together to work for the quick development of this country. I call particularly on the armed forces to live up to their responsibilities. The time for procrastinating is over, you know the truth and the ruling."
3. People watching speech (bugged with supercaption)
STORYLINE:
Opposition leader Marc Ravalomanana called for national unity among the Madagascan people on Tuesday after the island nation's highest court ruled he won the disputed presidential election.
The High Constitutional Court said Monday that a recount showed that Ravalomanana received more than 51 percent of the ballots cast in December, while incumbent President Didier Ratsiraka won almost 36 percent.
However, Ratsiraka has said he will not abide by the recount results.
He has called for a referendum to decide who is the legitimate leader of this poor nation of 16 million people off the southeastern coast of Africa.
Ravalomanana and Ratsiraka established rival governments after original results from the Dec. 16 election showed no candidate won more than half the vote.
Ratsiraka insisted on a runoff, but Ravalomanana said the vote was rigged and had himself declared president.
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