PRESIDENT Levy Mwanawasa is optimistic that peace will return to Madagascar following the formation of a government of national unity.

On his arrival at Lusaka International Airport yesterday from South Africa where he attended the African Union troika meeting on Madagascar, President Mwanawasa said there were indications that people in that country were no longer interested in presidential elections.

"The report which we have is to the effect that the people of Madagascar are not interested in presidential elections," he said.

President Mwanawasa said a communiqué which was signed by former president Didier Ratsiraka's political party's general secretary had indicated that they had accepted and were supportive of Marc Ravalomanana as the new Republican President.

President Mwanawasa said the African Union heads of state would make a decision whether Madagascar could be re-admitted to the continental body as the troika meeting did not have any authority to make a binding decision. President Mwanawasa who was accompanied by the first lady Maureen said no action had been taken against Madagascar so far.