United Nations, March 18, SPA -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday called for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in Madagascar after the country’s president resigned and handed control of the state to the military. Officials from Madagascar’s opposition movement said their leader Andry Rajoelina would take over as president and would organize elections within 24 months. “The secretary general is gravely concerned about the evolving developments in Madagascar,” a statement from Ban’s press office said.   “He urges all parties concerned to act responsibly to ensure stability and a smooth transition through democratic means.   This peaceful path can only be the result of transitional arrangements arrived at by consensus and enjoying wide support,” the statement added.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/645571