MADAGASCAR PERMREP'S CALL ON AMBASSADOR RICE

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000168 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/23/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC MA SUBJECT: MADAGASCAR PERMREP'S CALL ON AMBASSADOR RICE Classified By: Amb. Susan Rice, for reasons 1.4 b/d. ¶1. (C) Ambassador Zina Andrianarivelo-Razafy of Madagascar paid an introductory call on Ambassador Rice on February 19. He offered no details on the ongoing political crisis in Madagascar but expressed a general hope that parties to the dispute could reach a compromise solution that "respected legality." He repeatedly emphasized his commitment to good relations with the United States, making clear that Madagascar would be absent during any vote on a resolution condemning the ICC's actions in Sudan, just as it absented itself from votes on various General Assembly resolutions condemning Israel. ¶2. (C) In response to a question from Ambassador Rice on strengthening relations with the Africa Group, Ambassador Andrianarivelo invited Amb. Rice to brief the Africa Group, suggesting that a March meeting could provide an opportunity in particular for a frank exchange of views on the ICC proceedings against Sudanese President Bashir. ¶3. (C) Comment: Andrianarivelo does not strike us as a player in Malagasy politics: his chief concern in the current political dispute seems to be retaining his job. His pro-American leanings may allow us to cultivate an African ally on General Assembly issues, particularly if events at home leave him with increased leeway on important votes. End comment. Rice