Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ANTANANARIVO836
2007-08-22 13:19:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Antananarivo
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE PRESIDENT

Tags:  PREL PGOV EAID MA 
pdf how-to read a cable
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FM AMEMBASSY ANTANANARIVO
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANTANANARIVO 000836 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/EX AND AF/E - MBEYZEROV AND RMEYERS
PARIS FOR D'ELIA
USAID FOR AFR/AA KALMQUIST
USAID FOR AFR/EA OSMOAK

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID MA
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE PRESIDENT

ANTANANARI 00000836 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: DCM George N. Sibley for reasons 1.4 B,D

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANTANANARIVO 000836

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/EX AND AF/E - MBEYZEROV AND RMEYERS
PARIS FOR D'ELIA
USAID FOR AFR/AA KALMQUIST
USAID FOR AFR/EA OSMOAK

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID MA
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE PRESIDENT

ANTANANARI 00000836 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: DCM George N. Sibley for reasons 1.4 B,D


1. (U) SUMMARY: Little more than 48 hours after arriving in
Madagascar, Ambassador R. Niels Marquardt presented his
credentials to Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana. In a
wide-ranging discourse, the President expressed appreciation
for U.S. programs and support, while requesting further
assistance to move Madagascar even faster down the path to
development. END SUMMARY.


2. (U) A typically enthusiastic President Ravalomanana warmly
greeted Ambassador and Mrs. Marquardt to accept credentials
at the Iavaloha Presidential Palace.

Gratitude for U.S. Programs
--------------


3. (C) The President, clearly well-briefed, expressed his
gratitude for all major U.S. programs in Madagascar: the
Millennium Challenge Account (MCA); USAID Presidential
Malaria Initiative, Environment and Rural Development
Programs; Peace Corps; and Secretary of Agriculture Johanns'
visits and commitment to the country. Continuing on MCA,
President Ravalomanana expressed pride in achieving the first
Compact in April 2005, but complained that subsequent
Compacts have been so much bigger, citing the USD 500 million
for Mozambique. He was eager to discuss plans for a second
compact, and encouraged to hear Ambassador Marquardt report
on his discussions in Washington about the process.
President Ravalomanana also mentioned his frustration that
the USD 100 million in the existing Compact was being spent
too slowly. (Note: The President recently forced out MCA's
Director General based on this perception. End Note.)

Madagascar Action Plan
--------------


4. (SBU) Speaking with a copy of the document in hand, the
President explained the Madagascar Action Plan (MAP)
commitments to the Ambassador. He pointed to a photo of poor
rural children and said, "that was me," stressing his firm
desire "to change this country." Noting Madagascar's success

organizing and competing in the recent Indian Ocean Games, as
an example of the MAP commitment to enhance national pride,
the President said his government must be "serious" about
implementing the MAP. He emphasized, "the country owns the
MAP, this is our plan," reminiscent of the GOM's
internalization of the MCA country ownership ethos. Noting
U.S. programs in support of several MAP commitments, the
Ambassador commended the President's vision and vowed to
continue a close working relationship saying, "the United
States is far away, but still very close to Madagascar."


5. (SBU) The President explained his anti-corruption
initiatives, including the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau
(BIANCO),in light of potential oil and mining revenues in
Madagascar. The President confirmed his intention that such
revenue be used only for the development of Madagascar, and
mentioned his partnership with ExxonMobil toward this end.
Criticizing the corruption in African oil countries, the
President said he is establishing a transparent system like
Norway, and is getting advice from Norway on how to replicate
their approach.

President Requests Assistance
--------------


6. (C) While careful to thank the Ambassador for U.S.
programs in Madagascar, the President did not hesitate to
request assistance in priority areas. Noting Madagascar's
unique biodiversity, he renewed his request for help in
establishing a coast guard to stop rampant illegal fishing.
The President committed to keeping Air Madagascar a "Boeing
airline," steadfastly opposed a switch to Airbus, and asked
assistance in obtaining new or leased Boeing equipment soon.
Unexpectedly, the President was privy to tentative plans to
privatize or close the English Language Program at the
American Cultural Center, and implored that this valuable
program be maintained in the wake of the recent referendum
making English an official language in Madagascar. He was
enthusiastic about the opening to the world that will come

ANTANANARI 00000836 002.2 OF 002


from improved English and stressed the role that the U.S. and
U.K. can play in this regard. Finally, the President added a
"communications expert" to the wish-list, suggesting perhaps
that he needed help in public relations.

Other Friends
--------------


7. (C) While critical of illegal "Asian" (read Chinese)
fishing boats, President Ravalomanana reported he had
obtained a USD 100 million loan at one percent for 20 years
from China for infrastructure projects. Boasting of his
negotiation skills as a businessman, the President said he
drove a hard bargain with his Chinese counterparts. Noting
other Chinese investments and commercial activities
throughout Madagascar, he cautioned he must "watch them, and
clarify their intentions." Among Chinese investments will be
a convention center, where the President plans to host the
African Union Summit in 2009.

Democracy Is Different Here
--------------


8. (C) Moving to the September 23 legislative elections, the
President said the National Assembly must adapt to the new
Constitution, amended in April. He emphasized his desire to
decentralize management and governance in Madagascar in order
to efficiently pursue development goals. In what may have
been an oblique reference to U.S. efforts to promote
electoral reform, Ravalomanana stressed that Madagascar is
democratic but that "democracy is different here." He
regretted the low level of civic understanding of most
Malagasy.

President to United States End of September
--------------


9. (SBU) President Ravalomanana stated he would travel to New
York and Washington DC at the end of September for the UN
General Assembly, with a meeting confirmed with World Bank
President Zoellick on September 28. He also expressed the
desire to meet senior U.S. officials during UNGA and/or his
Washington visit, which we will explore further with his
staff.

COMMENT: Relationship Starts on a Warm Note
--------------


10. (C) Midway through the hour-long conversation, the
President switched from English to French upon realizing the
Ambassador and Mrs. Marquardt were Francophones. The
President was very focused and on-point, putting down markers
on a broad range of issues in the bilateral relationship. He
emphasized his desire to continue a close working
relationship, again thanking the United States for being the
first country to recognize him as President during the 2002
governance crisis. END COMMENT.

MARQUARDT