MADAGASCAR: UNSC BRIEFING UNDER OTHER MATTERS

UNCLAS STATE 031093

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM XA XY
SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR: UNSC BRIEFING UNDER OTHER MATTERS


1. USUN may draw from the talking points in para 2 for the
April 2 UNSC briefing under "other matters" on
Madagascar.


2. Begin points:

-- The United States condemns the process through which Marc
Ravalomanana was forced to resign as President of the
Republic of Madagascar and Andry Rajoelina subsequently was
installed as the de facto head of state as
undemocratic and contrary to the rule of law.

-- As we view this series of events as a coup d,etat, the
United States will not maintain our current assistance
partnership with Madagascar. In view of these developments,
the United States is moving to suspend all
assistance provided to the Government of Madagascar,
including a USD 110 million MCC compact on land and
financial sector reform and agribusiness development.

-- We urge Madagascar to take steps to restore constitutional
governance through peaceful means.

-- We call on the people of Madagascar to undertake a
democratic, consensual process to restore constitutional
governance, culminating in free, fair and peaceful elections
within six months as suggested by the African
Union.

-- We support the efforts undertaken by the UN, including
envoys Haile Menkerios and Tiebile Drame, to encourage
dialogue during the present crisis and encourage the UN to
remain engaged in Madagascar to press for a rapid return
to constitutional order through fair elections.

Questions

-- How does the UN see its future role in facilitating a
return to constitutional rule in Madagascar?

-- If the UN is unable to play a facilitation role, how do
you see the AU or SADC becoming involved?

Background: U.S. development assistance to Madagascar
consists primarily of health, education, environment and
economic growth activities as well as food assistance. Total
non-emergency State/USAID assistance to Madagascar
was $47.7 million in FY 2007 and $58.2 million in FY 2008.
Of this latter amount approximately $38 million
benefits the GOM and thus is subject to sanctions. U.S.
support for humanitarian programs will continue.
CLINTON