AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE PRESIDENT

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