By Alastair Leithead BBC correspondent in Antananarivo

President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar has said he intends to arrest the former President, Didier Ratsiraka, and try him for encouraging violence in the country and for alleged embezzlement during his time in office.

The ex-head of state fled the Indian Ocean island two weeks ago and is now in exile in France, after disputed elections caused a seven-month political crisis.

Mr Ravalomanana is now trying to kick-start the country's economy after being recognized as the legitimate head of state by a wide range of countries, including America and the former colonial power, France.

Fighting corruption and boosting the economy are Mr Ravalomanana's self-declared priorities for rebuilding Madagascar - but pursuing the former president also features heavily in his plans.

Series of arrests

Mr Ratsiraka, who led the country for 22 years, fled to France two weeks ago when the former colonial power said it recognized Mr Ravalomanana as the new head of state and after a series of military defeats.

Now the new president says he wants to investigate Mr Ratsiraka with the intention of arresting him and putting him on trial under international law.

"We will accuse him under international law... and we will build a commission to arrest him," Mr Ravalomanana said.

He pointed to the violence during the past few months and the disappearance of money from the central bank.

A number of Mr Ratsiraka supporters have already been arrested, including his prime minister.

But President Ravalomanana said he would bring them to trial quickly and judge them according to the country's laws.

He denied that a witch-hunt was going on to track down supporters of the old regime.