COTE D'IVOIRE: FRENCH VIEWS POST-PRETORIA II

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004833 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/11/2015 TAGS: PREL PGOV IV SF FR SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: FRENCH VIEWS POST-PRETORIA II AGREEMENT REF: A. PRETORIA 2577 ¶B. ABIDJAN 1148 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Embassy Africa watcher met with MFA AF PDAS-equivalent Elisabeth Barbier on July 1, to discuss various African issues (Paris 4660 re Aristide/South Africa, Paris 4755 re Chad) including the situation in Cote d'Ivoire after the Pretoria II agreement. Barbier stated that she believed the agreement was mostly positive, but expressed concern about the will of the Ivoirian parties to fulfill their obligations. Barbier noted that the agreement carried the threat of sanctions against those who obstructed the process. Barbier also confirmed (ref A, para 4) that South African Defense Minister Lekota would assume a greater role in the Ivoirian process. ¶2. (C) Asked whether France would be taking any action regarding the situation in Cote d'Ivoire, Barbier responded that there were no foreseen initiatives. France, she said, remained supportive of the AU-mandated South African mediation. We subsequently learned from DAS-equivalent Remi Marechaux July 11 that South African FM Zuma will meet French FM Douste-Blazy July 13. Cote d'Ivoire is sure to be on the agenda. STAPLETON