PRESIDENT BQALAHI ADDRESSES THE NATION FOO

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000696 SENSITIVE, SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDED CAPTION) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL KPAO MR SUBJECT: PRESIDENT BQALAHI ADDRESSES THE NATION FOO HHEQFQRQTTMQ IQCQ AUGUST 6 COUP ¶1. (SBU) On November 21, President Abdallahi delivered his first address to the nation since the August 6 coup. Because the official state-run news outlets are tightly controlled by the military junta, the address was broadcast on the pan-Arab Al Arabiyasatellite channel which reaches most of Mauritana's elites as well as satellite dish equipped coffee shops throughout the country. In his address,Abdallahi emphasized the gains made during his adinistration, renewed his commitment to the army nd security services, and offered to enter into any discussion on the future of Mauritania "as soon as the coup fails." Abdallahi further called on the V S A LIVE MSG Mauritanian people to work with him to restor democracy. Comment: President Abdallahi's speech covers the past well, but offers little detail in the way of future plans to resolve the crisis or restore constitutional order. Unconfirmed loca press reports state that the Wali in Abdallahi's home region (where he remains under house arrest) He has been instructed by the High State Council to prevent future satellite broadcasts. If true, Abdlllahi may have less opportunity to get his message to the people if and when he has a concrete plan for a way forward. End comment. ¶2. (U) The foloowing is an English translation of the original r"abic speech broadcast on Al Arabiya: BEGIN TEXT My dear compatriots, The pledges undertookb"y the transitional authorities during 2005-2006, the constitutional statutes which you ratified by an overwhelming majority in July 2006, and the fre and transparent choice that you made in March 0007 to elect me to the highest office in the lan,( was for you and for the rest of the world a clear expression of an end of an era in our history. It appeared that our country had finally left behind the era of coups. We set out on a path to strengthen national unity, especially by organizing the return of refugees and by taking definitive measures to end slavery, and inculcate a free and democratic culture, and economic and social development. Huge efforts were made in this area during the democratic period of 15 months. These continual efforts resulted in a marked improvement of the economic situation and with the launching of the Special Intervention Program, citizens began to enjoy the fruits of reform which were praised by the IMF and the World Bank during a meeting of the African Central Ban in Nouakchott just 5 days before the coup. These efforts materialized into an unprecedented level of financial support for our country during the meeting of the Consultative Group on Mauritania in Paris in December 2007, and a massive influx of investors in our country from all over the world. Furthermore, public freedoms, human rights, freedom of the press, an independent judiciary, and the regular functioning of institutions were not hindered in any way during the 15 elapsed months of presidential rule. Our country became proud and deserving of praise, and an example of a successful transition to freedom and democracy, and of strengthened national unity. All of these gains were shattered on August 6, 2008 when one officer seized power by force, forgetting his duty to serve, obey, and defend the institutions of the Republic. After corrupting the parliamentary institution, this coup returned the country to the methods of intimidation and corruption, and set it on the path to settling accounts as a method of governance. Depriving the institutions of their capacities and using economic populism will lead directly to a collapse if it continues, dragging the country into a suicidal diplomatic and economic isolation. My dear compatriots, It is my responsibility to confront this situation, and I am convinced of your devotion to the values of peace and liberty that are inherent in democracy, a devotion manifested by your spontaneous mobilization, and by the unprecedented commitment of numerous prominent political actors to fight for democracy. Considering all of this, I will spare no effort to lead the country out of its present ordeal in a peaceful and civil manner. For this, I need your help and solidarity so that we can work together without violence or troubles, in a generous manner and with national unity. We must avoid compromise solutions that will fail to treat the root causes of problems, so that we can return our country to constitutional order and thwart the coup of August 6, 2008. In my capacity as commander in chief of the Armed Forces, I renew my confidence in the national army and security forces, who I know exhibit republican traits. I take this opportunity to express to them, the families of the victims, and to the Mauritanian people my sincere heartfelt condolences for the treacherous terrorist attack in Tourine. I also renew to them my firm determination to support their position as guardians of institutional stability and bastions for the defense of our territorial integrity and national sovereignty. My dear compatriots, As you know, the international community has gathered to condemn the coup of August 6, 2008 and has refused to grant legitimacy to its perpetrators. The international community considers their acts, and any measures taken under their authority, to be unlawful. So in the name of all of you, I would like to express to the members of the international community our appreciation for the efforts they have taken to restore legality in our country. We assure them at the same time that the failure of the military coup in Mauritania, in accordance with treaties, charters, and ratified agreements both local and international, is a fundamental prerequisite for eradicating forever the forceful seizure of power, and of guaranteeing that democracy at last takes root in Africa and in the Arab world. For my part, at the moment the coup fails, I will be ready to enter into any discussion or reflection on the future of our institutions that is within the framework of the constitution and laws of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. I will do this in a spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, order, and national unity. I will continue to be, as I have been, the president for all Mauritanians, preoccupied with guaranteeing freedom and dignity for all, and with rejecting vengeance and settling of accounts. Long live a free and prosperous Mauritania! END TEXT HANKINS