The Democratic Republic of Congo saysit is not to blame for Madagascar's threat to consider withdrawing itsmembership from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Antananarivoexpressed displeasure after SADC members prevented embattled President AndryRajoelina from addressing the September 24 U.N. General Assembly.
Madagascar is demanding answers from SADC and is threatening to preventmediators seeking to resolve the ongoing political crisis from entering thecountry.
The Democratic Republic of Congo President, Joseph Kabila currentlyholds the chairmanship of the sub-regional body.
Lambert Mende, communicationsminister of the DRC said that Congo has no interest inundermining Madagascar.
"Wethink that there is nothing to blame the DRC. The DRC has no personal grievanceagainst Mr. Rajoelina or any Malagasy leader. We are just acting as thechairperson," Mende said.
Hesaid President Kabila implemented what was unanimously agreed upon by membersof the sub-regional body.
"Ourpresident is the chairperson of the SADC and as a chairperson he isimplementing whatever is being decided by the summit of the heads of state," hesaid.
Mendesaid SADC is troubled by Madagascar's political crisis.
"Everybodyin SADC is very concerned about the situation in Madagascar," Mende said.
Hesaid there is need for peace and stability to be upheld in Madagascar.
"Weare a principled government and we need principles to be respected. Those arethe principles of the people of Madagascar," he said.
Mendesaid SADC seeks a solution to the Madagascar crisis.
"Allwe need is that Madagascar can speak together and find a solution that they cannegotiate among themselves. There is no other away out of those twoalternatives," Mende said.
Hedenied SADC is undermining Madagascar's government.
"Onecan ask if it is SADC that is undermining Madagascar or some leaders inMadagascar who are undermining their principles, their own laws, their ownconstitution that is the question," he said.
Mendecalled for Malagasies to respect the rule of law.
"Weneed everybody in our region to work and to live under principles, under rules.This was not the case in this country and that is why we are trying to push allour brothers in Madagascar to come back to principles. There is no way now tosay that somebody is trying to undermine somebody. No," Mende said.
Hesaid President Kabila will continue negotiating with Antananarivo.
"Weare sure that our president will respond because this is a member state thathas been suspended. But we are still (support) negotiation among them to find asolution?since they have questioned the presidency they have questioned thestate members? they will receive the position of SADC from President Kabila,"he said.
SADCsuspended Madagascar after describing Rajoelina's ascension to power as a coupd'état following the resignation of former President Marc Ravalomanana.