By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) – Russia voiced concern Wednesday over the military's takeover of power in Madagascar, urging restraint and advising its citizens against visiting the country until stability is restored.
“We are monitoring the situation in Madagascar with concern,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing in Moscow, noting that the military has taken full control, suspended the 2010 Constitution, and dissolved government bodies except for the National Assembly, which voted to impeach the president.
A transitional committee made up of security forces is expected to assume executive powers for two years to prepare the return to civilian rule, according to the ministry’s information.
“We believe the events in Madagascar are an internal matter for that country and call for restraint and the prevention of bloodshed,” Zakharova said, expressing hope for a “return to the path of democratic development as soon as possible.”
She also “strongly recommended” that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to Madagascar and advised those already on the island to avoid crowded areas.