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