GUIDANCE FOR ENGAGING WITH THE NEW "GOM"

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 029425 E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV ODIP MA SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR ENGAGING WITH THE NEW "GOM" REF: ANTANANARIVO 187 Classified By: AF A/S Phil Carter, reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: The Department provides the guidance below to post for engaging the new "GOM" per reftel request. End summary. ¶2. (C) Post should not use the titles "President," "President of the High Transition Authority," or "Minister" when referring to Andry Rajoelina or members of his cabinet, but rather "Mr." or "Mrs." The Ambassador should refrain from meeting with Rajoelina or members of his cabinet unless formally convoked, either alone or as a member of the diplomatic corps. In such situations, the Ambassador should undertake to convey to Washington any points raised but use his judgment in addressing any policy questions and should avoid media events associated with the convocation to the extent possible. If the Ambassador is not convoked but otherwise determines it is in the U.S. interest for the Embassy to be represented at meetings with Rajoelina or cabinet members, the DCM or other appropriate officers should attend such meetings in lieu of the Ambassador. Embassy officials, including the Ambassador, should engage in no substantive exchanges and limit social interactions with Rajoelina or his cabinet during representational events. ¶3. (C) Post may continue to work with civil servants below the ministerial level on routine matters. However, post should not deliver ALDAC demarches until an elected government is in place. Demarche requests specifically related to Madagascar should be handled at the level indicated in such requests. CLINTON