Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ANTANANARIVO833
2009-12-04 07:39:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Antananarivo
Cable title:
MADAGASCAR REPORT OF FAILED ATTACK ON TRANSITION PRESIDENT
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHAN #0833 3380739 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 040739Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY ANTANANARIVO TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3092
UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000833
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E MARIA BEYZEROV AND DS/AF/IP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR REPORT OF FAILED ATTACK ON TRANSITION PRESIDENT
RAJOELINA
UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000833
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E MARIA BEYZEROV AND DS/AF/IP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR REPORT OF FAILED ATTACK ON TRANSITION PRESIDENT
RAJOELINA
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Via multiple press sources, Madagascar was
informed on December 3 and 4 that on the night of December 2
President Rajoelina's car was allegedly fired on as he returned to
Antananarivo from an in-country trip. No one was hurt and as of
December 4, there are no known witnesses, evidence or suspects
according to police. END SUMMARY
--------------
News reports
--------------
2. (SBU) Late December 3, radio, TVM and VIVA TV carried reports of
a press conference with the presidential security unit that in the
night of December 2 en route to the city from the airport, one shot
was fired at President Rajoelina's motorcade. The motorcade did not
stop but continued on its way. The event allegedly occurred at 1930
and was near the location of the new embassy complex. No one has
been detained or charged and reportedly the investigation is
ongoing. At least one press report indicated that residents in the
area reported they had heard nothing. More sensational reports on
the alleged attack appeared in December 4 print press.
--------------
Security Services
--------------
3. (SBU) The press conference by security services advised that a
shot from an arme de guerre (a military style weapon issued only to
military and law enforcement) had struck the right windshield of the
Presidential vehicle. The caliber and make of the weapon are
unknown.
4. (SBU) Comment: If, as reported, the shot did hit the moving
vehicle, it was probably fired by a professional. One newspaper
mentioned this theory. A shot by an opponent to intimidate
Rajoelina is possible, as is a shot orchestrated by his movement for
political ends, or it also remains possible that nothing actually
occurred. It seems clear that this was not an attempt to actually
assassinate Rajoelina, as only one shot was taken, and it is well
know that the President travels in an armored vehicle. End
comment.
MARQUARDT
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E MARIA BEYZEROV AND DS/AF/IP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR REPORT OF FAILED ATTACK ON TRANSITION PRESIDENT
RAJOELINA
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Via multiple press sources, Madagascar was
informed on December 3 and 4 that on the night of December 2
President Rajoelina's car was allegedly fired on as he returned to
Antananarivo from an in-country trip. No one was hurt and as of
December 4, there are no known witnesses, evidence or suspects
according to police. END SUMMARY
--------------
News reports
--------------
2. (SBU) Late December 3, radio, TVM and VIVA TV carried reports of
a press conference with the presidential security unit that in the
night of December 2 en route to the city from the airport, one shot
was fired at President Rajoelina's motorcade. The motorcade did not
stop but continued on its way. The event allegedly occurred at 1930
and was near the location of the new embassy complex. No one has
been detained or charged and reportedly the investigation is
ongoing. At least one press report indicated that residents in the
area reported they had heard nothing. More sensational reports on
the alleged attack appeared in December 4 print press.
--------------
Security Services
--------------
3. (SBU) The press conference by security services advised that a
shot from an arme de guerre (a military style weapon issued only to
military and law enforcement) had struck the right windshield of the
Presidential vehicle. The caliber and make of the weapon are
unknown.
4. (SBU) Comment: If, as reported, the shot did hit the moving
vehicle, it was probably fired by a professional. One newspaper
mentioned this theory. A shot by an opponent to intimidate
Rajoelina is possible, as is a shot orchestrated by his movement for
political ends, or it also remains possible that nothing actually
occurred. It seems clear that this was not an attempt to actually
assassinate Rajoelina, as only one shot was taken, and it is well
know that the President travels in an armored vehicle. End
comment.
MARQUARDT