Washington  - The United States on Thursday called for an end to violent demonstrations in Madagascar and urged the country's leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve the political dispute.

More than 80 people are believed to have died in the unrest that began on Monday following an opposition rally and strike called by Andre Rajoelina, the mayor of the capital Antananarivo, to protest what he calls President Marc Ravalomanana's growing authoritarianism.

"We call on Malagasy leaders and people to exercise restraint and avoid all further violence," US State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood said. "We urge for an immediate resumption of dialogue among principal political actors and the government."

"We expect all parties in this conflict to respect the constitution of Madagascar as they resolve their political differences," he added.

Ravalomanana on Thursday signalled he was ready for dialogue with the opposition in order to end the riots. dpa