Madagascar court backs handover

Madagascar's highest court has backed the handover of power to interim leader Andry Rajoelina.
It comes a day after military leaders conferred powers to the 34-year-old when President Marc Ravalomanana quit.

But under the current constitution, the former disc jockey is six years too young to be elected president.
Zambia called for the immediate suspension of Madagascar from the African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (Sadc).

Zambian Foreign Minister Kabinga Pande also told a news conference in Lusaka: "Zambia rejects the unconstitutional change of government in Madagascar."

Meanwhile, France's foreign ministry said the 24-month deadline Mr Rajoelina has pledged for holding fresh elections was "too long".

A Quai d'Orsay spokesman stressed France would continue its aid to the island and "maintain its policy of co-operation".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7950183.stm