10/09/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Sunday 9 September, the EU stated that the resignation of the president of the Republic of Madagascar, Hery Martial Rajaonarimampianina, in line with Madagascar's constitution, and the appointment, on 7 September, of the president of the Senate, Rivo Rakotovao, as the interim president of Madagascar, "are major steps towards free, inclusive and appeased presidential elections on 7 November 2018". "The Malagasy parties confirm their respect for the rule of law and their resolve to anchor institutional stability", the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), Maja Kocijancic, stated in a press release. In this perspective, the EU will continue to cooperate with the African Union and will mobilise all its means, including the deployment of an election observation mission, the press release says. Madagascar is one of the 79 countries in the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) Group that are linked to the EU by the Cotonou Agreement. (AN)