General strike expected on 11 February even though leaders agree to talk.

Madagascar's President Marc Ravalomanana and former Antananarivo Mayor Andry Rajoelina agreed to participate in U.N.-facilitated negotiations in a bid to end political violence on the island. Both leaders previously refused to hold bilateral talks, but personal meetings with U.N. special envoy Haile Menkerios earlier in the day seem to have convinced the leaders that a peaceful resolution to the conflict is necessary. Although Rajoelina agreed to hold talks and Antananarivo was relatively calm on 9 February -- which was declared a day of mourning for those killed in events on 7 February -- the former mayor has reiterated that the opposition will "continue the struggle" against Ravalomanana's "dictatorial" regime. Small-scale street protests took place on 10 February, and reports indicate that additional anti-government protests and a general strike are expected on 11 February. The 7 February incident prompted many ministers in Ravalomanana's government to consider resignation in order to distance themselves from the increasingly unpopular president. Defense Minister Cecile Manohantra has already resigned, and the justice minister may follow suit. The resignations are the first indication of a lack of unity in Ravalomanana's government, further complicating the power struggle on the island.