US removes restrictions on aid to Madagascar

Antananarivo (Madagascar) May 29 (IANS) The US has removed restrictions on assistance to Madagascar, the presidency of Madagascar said citing a US government statement Wednesday.

The US lifted all remaining restrictions on direct assistance to the government of Madagascar, considering its successful elections in 2014, and the installation of a new government earlier this year, reported Xinhua citing the presidency.

The US also invited Madagascar President Rajaonarimampianina to the country to participate the Africa Leaders Summit in August, 2014, as the African Union (AU) has lifted its suspension of Madagascar's membership.

Amid the political crisis which exploded in Madagascar in 2009, US had suspended Madagascar from its programme African growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Due to the suspension of AGOA, hundreds of thousands jobs were lost, making the country among the poorest countries in the world.