Madagascar gunmen fail in coup attempt

Antananarivo (Reuter) - Four members of an armed opposition group in Madagascar were captured after briefly taking over the state-run radio station yesterday and declaring a coup. The group broadcast a statement announcing the dissolution of the government and cancellation of a constitutional referendum next month.

An unknown number of gunmen seized the radio station. Some slipped out later, but security forces found four members still there, Guy Willy Razanamasy, the Prime Minister, said. 'The government is in control of the situation,' he added. 'Order and security are assured and the electoral calendar will be respected.'

The takeover attempt was said to have been led by Liva Ramahozomanana, leader of a breakaway faction of the Living Forces coalition opposition group.