UPDATE 1-Russia says hopes bloodshed will be avoided in Madagascar

"We believe that what is happening is an internal matter of this country." "We call for restraint and for the prevention of bloodshed," Zakharova said, adding that Moscow hoped the Madagascar's "return to the path of democratic development" will happen as soon as possible.

Russia said on Wednesday that it was closely watching events in Madagascar and it hoped that bloodshed would be avoided after the military took power following weeks of youth-led protests.

Demonstrations first erupted in Madagascar on September 25 over water and power shortages and quickly escalated into an uprising over broader grievances, including corruption, bad governance and a lack of basic services. Colonel Michael Randrianirina declared on Tuesday that he had

taken power and that a military committee would rule the country for a period of up to two years alongside a transitional government before organising new elections.

"We are following the development of the situation in Madagascar with anxiety," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman told reporters in Moscow. "We believe that what is happening is an internal matter of this country." "We call for restraint and for the prevention of bloodshed," Zakharova said, adding that Moscow hoped the Madagascar's "return to the path of democratic development" will happen as soon as possible.

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