FRENCH DEMARCHE TO SOUTH AFRICA ON ARISTIDE

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004830

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/11/2015
TAGS: PREL HA SF FR UNSC
SUBJECT: FRENCH DEMARCHE TO SOUTH AFRICA ON ARISTIDE

REF: A. PRETORIA 2708

B. PARIS 4716

C. PARIS 4660

D. STATE 121144

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) MFA Southern Africa DAS-equivalent Remi Marechaux
called Embassy Africa watcher July 11 to report that the
French DCM in Pretoria had raised Aristide's activities in
South Africa with the SAG July 8. Marechaux said that the
DCM met with DFA DDG for Americas and Europe Ndumiso
Ntshinga, who was familiar with the issue following his
meeting with Ambassador Frazer the previous day (ref A).


2. (C) Marechaux related that Ntshinga said that the SAG had
no information on any plans by Aristide to return to Haiti.
Ntshinga told the French DCM that the SAG would not support
any effort by Aristide to return, asking for more information
so that "we (the SAG) don't shoot in the dark." Ntshinga
told the French that he would share the French concern about
Aristide's activities with the National Intelligence Agency
and ensure that President Mbeki was also informed.


3. (C) Marechaux closed by noting that French FM
Douste-Blazy would be meeting with South African Foreign
Minister Zuma July 13, and that Aristide was on the French
agenda.
STAPLETON