Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PARIS374
2009-03-13 15:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Paris
Cable title:
MADAGASCAR: FRENCH UNCERTAIN HOW EVENTS WILL
how-toVZCZCXRO8944 OO RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHFR #0374 0721517 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 131517Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY PARIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5768 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY 2540 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 000374
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2019
TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV CASC FR MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: FRENCH UNCERTAIN HOW EVENTS WILL
DEVELOP
REF: A. ANTANANARIVO 166
B. PARIS 342
Classified By: Classified by Deputy Political Counselor William Jordan,
1.4 (b/d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 000374
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2019
TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV CASC FR MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: FRENCH UNCERTAIN HOW EVENTS WILL
DEVELOP
REF: A. ANTANANARIVO 166
B. PARIS 342
Classified By: Classified by Deputy Political Counselor William Jordan,
1.4 (b/d).
1. (C) French MFA Madagascar desk officer Beatrice Lederle
on March 13 said that the GOF was having trouble evaluating
events in Madagascar and developing a clear notion of where
the crisis was heading. She said that the involvement of the
military surprised the French. The situation on one level
was worsening -- "a few days ago we were calling for renewed
dialogue. Now it seems we are hoping that there will be no
fighting."
2. (C) Lederle said that Mayor Rajoelina left the French
ambassador's residence the morning of Thursday, March 12.
Lederle said that he stayed longer than expected (ref B)
given the circumstances. The GOF, as the result of a
"senior-level political decision," chose to avoid stating
clearly the mayor's status on Thursday so as not to
jeopardize his safe departure from French control and to
minimize the risk that anti-French action would break out in
connection with the move. She said that Rajoelina was now
"at a safe location controlled by the Archbishop." Lederle
indicated that the French were relieved that they were no
longer responsible for Rajoelina's security.
3. (C) Lederle said that, as far as she understood, not
many French had left Madagascar, although that could change
quickly if the situation deteriorated. She noted that a GOF
emergency action plan had been prepared and was ready to be
implemented if necessary, but she refrained from discussing
details of the plan. Lederle welcomed continued dialogue
between the GOF and USG, at all levels, to facilitate a
mutual understanding of the rapidly changing situation.
PEKALA
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/13/2019
TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV CASC FR MA
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: FRENCH UNCERTAIN HOW EVENTS WILL
DEVELOP
REF: A. ANTANANARIVO 166
B. PARIS 342
Classified By: Classified by Deputy Political Counselor William Jordan,
1.4 (b/d).
1. (C) French MFA Madagascar desk officer Beatrice Lederle
on March 13 said that the GOF was having trouble evaluating
events in Madagascar and developing a clear notion of where
the crisis was heading. She said that the involvement of the
military surprised the French. The situation on one level
was worsening -- "a few days ago we were calling for renewed
dialogue. Now it seems we are hoping that there will be no
fighting."
2. (C) Lederle said that Mayor Rajoelina left the French
ambassador's residence the morning of Thursday, March 12.
Lederle said that he stayed longer than expected (ref B)
given the circumstances. The GOF, as the result of a
"senior-level political decision," chose to avoid stating
clearly the mayor's status on Thursday so as not to
jeopardize his safe departure from French control and to
minimize the risk that anti-French action would break out in
connection with the move. She said that Rajoelina was now
"at a safe location controlled by the Archbishop." Lederle
indicated that the French were relieved that they were no
longer responsible for Rajoelina's security.
3. (C) Lederle said that, as far as she understood, not
many French had left Madagascar, although that could change
quickly if the situation deteriorated. She noted that a GOF
emergency action plan had been prepared and was ready to be
implemented if necessary, but she refrained from discussing
details of the plan. Lederle welcomed continued dialogue
between the GOF and USG, at all levels, to facilitate a
mutual understanding of the rapidly changing situation.
PEKALA