USAU: AFRICAN UNION PUSHING FOR SOLUTION IN

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 002912 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/FO, AF/E, AF/RSA NSC FOR MGAVIN PARIS FOR WBAIN LONDON FOR PLORD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV AU SUBJECT: USAU: AFRICAN UNION PUSHING FOR SOLUTION IN MADAGASCAR REF: E-MAIL ON 12/09/09 FROM AMBASSADOR MARQUARDT This message is from USAU Ambassador Michael Battle. ¶1. (SBU) In a December 10 meeting at AU headquarters, Ambassador John Shinkayie, the Chief of Staff of the AU Commission Chairperson, told USAU Ambassador Battle that the African Union is establishing an office in Antananarivo to help coordinate the transition period per the Maputo Agreement. That office will be headed by former Mozambican minister and Ambassador Francisco Madeira. Meanwhile, the AU's Special Envoy who has been working on the Madagascar portfolio, Ablasse Ouedraogo, will continue in his present capacity when called upon to do so by the AU Chairperson. These will be two distinct positions or missions, Shinkayie said. AU officials are downplaying any tension between Ouedraogo and others involved in mediating the Malagasy crisis. ¶2. (U) Separately, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ramtane Lamamra informed USAU that there will be an International Contact Group meeting on Madagascar's situation on December 17 in Antananarivo. Lamamra specifically asked that Ambassador Phil Carter attend the meeting if his schedule permits. The AU leadership is seeking to get the different parties in Madagascar to implement their previous agreements and move the country toward a return to constitutional rule. MUSHINGI