Antananarivo  - The showdown between Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana and the capital's mayor Andry Rajoelina continued over the weekend, after Rajoelina declared he was taking over the running of the Indian Ocean island.

Until the opposition's demands for the installation of a transition government had been met, the 34-year-old mayor said Saturday, the security forces and government ministries should take their orders from him, and not Ravalomanana.

Ravalomanana, 59, who has been in power since 2002, made clear for his part he had no intention of stepping aside after a week of unrest, in which over 100 people were killed.

Antananarivo- Around 30,000 people on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar took part in a peaceful demonstration against the government of President Marc Ravalomanana on Saturday.

The rally was organized by Andre Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital Antananarivo. Heavily armed security forces were deployed at the start but later withdrawn.

Madagascar has been the scene of recent daily protests and unrest, in which more than 100 have killed and many injured.

Antananarivo - After disappearing from view for two days, while his authority was being challenged by widespread rioting and looting, Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana reemerged Wednesday to vow an end to the unrest that claimed dozens of lives.

Ravalomanana visited the state radio and TV station building in Antananarivo that was looted and torched by demonstrators Monday after an opposition rally. He also visited one of his destroyed Magro supermarkets, where people were still carting off looted goods.

Antananarivo - Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana on Wednesday quashed hopes for a speedy end to the standoff between him and the capital's mayor Andre Rajoelina by ruling out talks with the politician who has sorely tested his grip on power in recent days.

During a tour of the state radio station in Antananarivo that opposition protesters looted and torched following a mass rally called by Rajoelina Monday Ravalomanana said he had no intention of heeding calls by Western diplomats for the two foes to meet.

Antananarivo - The army in Madagascar announced that the capit

Antananarivo - An uneasy calm descended on Madagascar Tuesday, a day after deadly riots in the capital Antananarivo left at least three dead.

According to broadcaster Antsiva, hundreds of demonstrators set fires and looted throughout Monday night after police and security forces withdrew from earlier defensive postures.

Appeals from the government and churches fell on deaf ears.

Schools and other educational facilities across the city remained closed Tuesday.