Ousted Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana has said he intends to return to the Indian Ocean island in the next few weeks.Mr Ravalomanana said he wanted to form an inclusive government and hold a presidential polls by the end of year.
He did not rule out the idea of working with his military-backed rival, Andry Rajoelina, who forced him from power in March after months of street protests.
Mr Rajoelina last week issued an arrest warrant for Mr Ravalomanana.
The international community has condemned Mr Rajoelina's action as a coup.
Madagascar has been suspended from the
African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc).
"I'll be back in Madagascar in a few weeks and the plan is to have anticipated [early] elections or a referendum before the end of the year. That is the only way out of the crisis," the former president told a news conference in Johannesburg, reported Reuters news agency.
"I don't want to have bloodshed in Madagascar. I'm not afraid to be arrested [when I go back]. I trust Sadc and the AU will help me to return to Madagascar," he said.
Mr Ravalomanana also said he would be willing to share power with Mr Rajoelina, but only if his rival was "committed to follow the rule of law".
Last week, the ex-president, a self-made dairy tycoon, said he was planning to return to Madagascar but did not hint at a timeline.
He also announced the nomination of a new prime minister, which was rejected by Madagascar's new government.
In the capital Antananarivo, thousands of Mr Ravalomanana's supporters have been holding protests almost daily.
Former disc jockey Mr Rajoelina has pledged a presidential election in October 2010 to restore democracy.
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Madagascar ex-leader 'to return' 
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