ADDIS ABABA (AFP) - The leaders of Madagascar's four main political groupings kicked off a fresh round of internationally-sponsored talks aimed at finding a way out of the Indian Ocean island's months-old crisis.

They were spurred on by African Union Commission Chairman Jean Ping at the opening of the negotiations, which come after the failure to build on the results of their previous meeting in Maputo in August.

"Each and everyone's responsibility in the face of history is on the line and no consideration, however legitimate, should take precedence over the supreme priority of the general interest," Ping said.

Andry Rajoelina, a 35-year-old former disc jockey, toppled Madagascan President Marc Ravalomanana with the army's backing on March 17 but has since failed to win the recognition of the international community.

The coup came as a result of months of sometimes violent demonstrations which left the island in diplomatic and institutional limbo, with parallel administrations claiming legitimacy.

Rajoelina, Ravalomanana and two other former presidents agreed in the Mozambican capital to a 15-month transition period but have since sparred over the details of power-sharing.