COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Luxembourg, 7 June 2010 10475/1/10 REV1 PRESSE 151 Council takes appropriate measures towards Madagascar The Council today has taken appropriate measures towards Madagascar in accordance with article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement ( 9633/10 + COR1 ). The EU considers the forcible transfer of power in Madagascar on 17 March 2009 a serious violation of democracy and the rule of law, essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and ACP states. In accordance with article 96 of the agreement, the European Union engaged in a political dialogue with Madagascar. However, the Malagasy side failed to make satisfactory proposals during the consultations on 6 July 2009. Since then, the Malagasy authorities have embarked upon a unilateral transition process and, despite the recent announcement of Mr Andry Rajoelina not to run for presidential elections, the political factions have not been able t...