ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, April 25 (UPI) -- Madagascar moved closer to normalizing international relations with the appointment of a new prime minister on April 16.
Roger Kolo was named prime minister by President Hery Rajaonarimampianina.
Both the European Union and the United States encouraged Rajaonarimampianina, who was elected in December, to "rapidly" form the new government "in order to restore constitutional order." Rajaonarimampianina succeeded Andry Rajoelina, who seized power in a 2009 coup.
The coup had disrupted Madagascar's relations with the African Union, World Bank, European Union, and the U.S.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of State congratulated Madagascar on its formation of a new government, "a critical step in Madagascar’s return to democracy after five years of political and economic instability."
