Strasbourg, 12/02/2010 (Agence Europe) - In a joint resolution from the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, ECR and GUE/NGL groups, adopted in plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday 11 February, the European Parliament (EP) repeated its condemnation of the process by which Andry Rajoelina, with the support of the army, seized power in Madagascar, in flagrant violation of the provisions of the Madagascan constitution. This seizure of power, Parliament says “constitutes an outright coup d'état”, and it condemns Rajoelina's decisions to cancel the appointment of Eugene Mangalaza as prime minister, installed after a power-sharing deal was struck between all political parties in October 2009, and to boycott the third round of negotiations in Maputo in December, at which accords were signed. The Parliament urges that these accords, which should lead to restoration of constitutional government, be implemented. The EP also condemns the systematic repression of the opposition, censorship of the media, the intimidation and systematic arrest of journalists, arrests and torture of civilians and politicians, and the detention of many persons without charge and at unknown locations and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and cancellation of the judicial proceedings against them. It is deeply concerned about the disappearance of several hundred people, including around 100 children and adolescents. It calls for an independent international investigation of all political killings in Madagascar, all human rights violations and all acts of repression committed by the security forces and the army. Parliament expresses its disapproval of any unilateral attempt by Rajoelina to organise elections in March 2010, and says it will support only such elections as have been prepared by a consensual and inclusive government as provided for in the Maputo Charter and the Addis Ababa Additional Act, which it believes constitutes “the only possible framework for a solution to the political crisis in Madagascar”. Lastly, Parliament calls on the international community and the EU to increase their humanitarian aid to the people of Madagascar and supports the efforts of the former President of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Joaquim Chissano, the Southern African Development Council mediator. (E.H./transl.rt)