Madagascar's Defense Minister Resigns

(09 Feb 09 - RV)Madagascar's defence minister says he has resigned because civilians were killed when security forces fired on anti-government protesters over the weekend.

In an official communiqué issued today, Cecile Manorohanta said his upbringing and faith could not allow him to accept the loss of life of his countrymen.

Opposition leader Andry Rajoelina's challenge of the President has led to the recent violence in which 128 people have been  killed.

Yesterday, during this Angelus, Pope Benedict prayed for calm and civility in Madagascar following the violent protests.

Spokesman for the International Committee for the Red Cross, Simon Schorno, spoke to us about their work in the country and how they are responding to the current unrest: