ADDIS ABABA: International mediators met Wednesday in a fresh attempt to resolve Madagascar's long-running political crisis.

The meeting of the International Contact Group for Madagascar at the African Union headquarters follows several initiatives to end the crisis sparked by the March 2009 coup by then Antananarivo mayor Andry Rajoelina.

Disagreements between the country's four main political groups have scuttled efforts at ending the impasse, with de facto leader Rajoelina disregarding previous deals with rivals to form a unity government.

"Our discussions should focus on defusing the situation and finding a way out of the crisis," said Jean Ping, the AU's commission chief, criticising Rajoelina's unilateral decisions.

The army-backed Rajoelina last month cancelled the appointment of a prime minister agreed on in a power-sharing deal with his rivals and named a new one.

None of the political foes including Rajoelina, the president he ousted Marc Ravalomanana and two former presidents were represented at Wednesday's talks.

Along with Ping, chief mediator in the crisis Joaquim Chissano, French State Secretary for Cooperation Alain Joyandet and AU Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra were in the talks.

"This meeting is to give fresh impetus to the attempts at resolving the Madagacar crisis," a statement by Joyandet's office said.