The main decision-making committee of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Thursday urged the African Union and the international community not to recognize Andry Rajoelina as Madagascar's president and called for a return to "democratic and constitutional rule in the shortest time possible."

The SADC leaders met in Swaziland on Thursday and said that if Rajoelina refuses to relinquish power to Marc Ravalomanana, the bloc would recommend imposing sanctions, the South African Press Association reported.

Andy Rajoelina, the newly appointed Madagascar's president, speaks to reporters in front of the Presidential Palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 19, 2009. [Wang Lu/Xinhua]

After months of street protests, Marc Ravalomanana resigned as Madagascar's president Tuesday and placed power in the hands of the military. Within hours, the military announced it was making opposition leader Andry Rajoelina president.

Madagascar is a member of the regional bloc. Thursday's meeting, chaired by Swazi King Mswati III, included Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, South African Defense Minister Charles Nqakula, and the bloc's executive secretary, Tomaz Salomao.

An AU committee was to meet Friday, to examine whether the events in Madagascar constituted a coup, which would lead to Madagascar's automatic suspension.

(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2009)