TFGV01: DEMARCHE ON THE CRISIS IN GUINEA:

C O N F I D E N T I A L NOUAKCHOTT 000177 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/2017 TAGS: PGOV PREL GV MR SUBJECT: TFGV01: DEMARCHE ON THE CRISIS IN GUINEA: MAURITANIA REF: STATE 19838 CONAKRY 186 CONAKRY 179 Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES CHARLES H. TWINING FOR REASON 1.4 (B,D ) ¶1. (C) Charge called on Foreign Minister Ahmed Ould Sid'Ahmed February 19 to present demarche (ref A) and to deliver a copy of Embassy Conakry's public statement (ref B). Sid'Ahmed took careful note of our position and objectives. His eyes widened, however, when we asked that President Vall consider requesting President Conte to "step aside" per para.8, ref A, asking that we repeat it. ¶2. (C) Promising to pass along our demarche, the Minister requested that we keep him informed of developments, and we asked that he do the same with us. He said he would be particularly interested to know whether any other governments have agreed to take the actions that we are requesting of the GIRM. ¶3. (C) Comment. Almost certainly the Mauritanians will not get out front on this issue. As is their custom, they will prefer to wait and see what others will do before considering whether to become engaged themselves alongside. We will seek other opportunities to raise the issue and will appreciate further guidance, as appropriate. Twining