Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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March 26, 2008

Comoros Promises Fair Elections for Former Rebel-Controlled Anjouan
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1BAA4F4:A6F02AD83191E1605B63D17C462253CA70AD7039DCD7B7E4& Government says it
will install interim administration on island by end of this week,
following overthrow of self-proclaimed leader The government of
Comoros says it will install an interim administration on the island
of Anjouan by the end of this week, following the overthrow of the
island's self-proclaimed leader Tuesday.

Comoran Foreign Minister Ahmed Gaffar tells VOA English to Africa
service that organizing a free and fair vote in Anjouan is a priority
for the government. He says officials expect to hold general elections
on the island May 13.







Mohamed Bacar (File)Gaffar says Comoros President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi
is satisfied with the success of Tuesday's operation to seize control
of Anjouan from rebel leader Mohamed Bacar.

The foreign minister says Bacar's whereabouts are still unknown, but
he says the former Anjouan leader must face justice when he is
captured. Troops are combing the island looking for him.

South African President Thabo Mbeki criticized the military assault.
He said the conflict should have been resolved peacefully.

Comoros President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi authorized the offensive,
saying force was the only option against Bacar.

Comoros consists of three islands off Africa's east coast. Each of the
islands has a regional president under the country's main leader.
Bacar refused to step down last July when the other islands held
presidential elections.

Comoros has a history of instability, having endured at least 19 coups
or coup attempts since independence from France in 1975.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.


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