MADAGASCAR RESPONSE TO U.S. STATEMENT ON IRAN

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000574

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR NEA/IR and AF/E

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV IR MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR RESPONSE TO U.S. STATEMENT ON IRAN

REF: STATE 87682


1. (SBU) The Ambassador spoke to the President of
Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana on June 1 to deliver Reftel
talking points on the U.S. statement on Iran. Ravalomanana
expressed support for the U.S. action and concern regarding
Iranian pursuit of nuclear weapons. He added he would
instruct his Foreign Minister to issue a statement.


2. (SBU) Separately, the DCM made the same points in person
to Foreign Minister Marcel Ranjeva. In response, Ranjeva
reiterated Malagasy support for the U.S. position regarding
Iran, noting that he had expressed this clearly in the
recent past when the Speaker of the National Assembly had
made an unauthorized visit to Tehran. Ranjeva noted that
the GOM had expressed public opprobrium of Iran's nuclear
activities at that time. Ranjeva also said he would put the
issue on the agenda for the next cabinet meeting, given the
Ambassador's discussion with the President.


3. (U) Post will push the GOM for the promised statement
and report details when possible.

MCGEE