Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Madagascar Urges Civilian Evacuation Near Base of Mutinous Soldiers VOA News 19 November 2010 Soldiers patrol a street in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo, 18 Nov 2010 Photo: AP Soldiers patrol a street in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo, 18 Nov 2010 Authorities in Madagascar have ordered the evacuation of civilians living near barracks where rebel soldiers are holed up. Defense Minister General Lucien Rakotoarimasy says the order was not issued in preparation of any attack on the rebel officers. He says negotiations between the soldiers and representatives of President Andry Rajoelina are still underway. On Wednesday, a group of about 20 military officers told a news conference the government was dissolved and that a military council would take charge of the country. But by day's end it was clear the officers did not control any government institutions. President Rajoelina and Prime Minister Camille Vital have vowed to take action against the mutineers. The unrest occurred on the same day Madagascar voted on a new constitution. If passed, the new charter would solidify Mr. Rajoelina's hold on power. He seized power in a coup last year. The Rajoelina government has said the new constitution will help stabilize the country following nearly two years of political turmoil. Critics say the charter will neither resolve the country's political crisis nor win international legitimacy for Mr. Rajoelina. The new constitution does not set a limit on the duration of Mr. Rajoelina's transitional government. It also would lower the minimum age for a presidential candidate to 35, clearing the way for Mr. Rajoelina, who is 36, to run for office.  Madagascar's three main opposition movements had called for a boycott of Wednesday's referendum. Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters. .