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- Jan 30, 2008
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Madagascar officers in coup claim
Military officers in Madagascar say they have taken over the island nation.
Col Charles Andrianasoavina, who made the announcement, was one of the officers behind a coup that brought Andre Rajoelina to power last year.
The situation is unclear but Reuters news agency quoted military police chief as saying other senior officers would intervene if it was a mutiny.
The announcement came as Madagascans voted in a referendum on a controversial new constitution.
Madagascar has been beset by instability for several years.
The officers said they had dissolved government institutions and formed a military committee.
According to the AP news agency, Col Andrianasoavina said that Madagascans were tired of waiting for a resolution to the political crisis.
"Alas the different parties continue to hold onto their respective positions, and the people of Madagascar are suffering the consequences of false pride," the agency quotes his statement as saying.
The BBC's former correspondent in Madagascar Jonny Hogg says Col Andrianasoavina was in the Capsat regiment that toppled President Marc Ravalomanana in March 2009.
It is unclear how powerful that regiment now is.
BBC News - Madagascar officers in coup claim