President Thabo Mbeki has welcomed his Madagascan counterpart Marc Ravalomanana into the African Union (AU), after the southern African island nation was barred from the body last July. Madagascar was barred from the AU after disputed elections on the island, which pitted Mr Ravalomanana and Didier Ratsikara, both of them claiming victory. The AU found the change of government in Madagascar to be unconstitutional as the body is premised on democratic values that promote respect for human rights and the rule of law. Opening the AU Summit in Maputo, Mozambique, today, the outgoing AU chairperson welcomed Madagascar into the new African body. “I’m very pleased to welcome President Marc Ravalomanana and his delegation,” President Mbeki said. The AU chairperson earlier today announced that Madagascar’s suspension from the body had been lifted. –BuaNews.