Madagascar asks SA to help

President Thabo Mbeki says South Africa has received a request from Madagascar to send about four helicopters to help with rescue operations in that country, following a cyclone. Madagascar has been hit by two cyclones since February. Gafilo, the second, has killed at least 113 people and left about 238 000 homeless.

Mbeki has been visiting KwaZulu-Natal on his election campaign. He says South Africa will probably comply with the request after consulting the relevant the ministers.

The president also applauded yesterday's formation of the Pan-African Parliament. He says the continent is making a good start in terms of its own renewal, development and change. - Additional reporting by Sapa