Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09USUNNEWYORK168
2009-02-23 15:29:00
CONFIDENTIAL
USUN New York
Cable title:  

MADAGASCAR PERMREP'S CALL ON AMBASSADOR RICE

Tags:  PREL PGOV UNSC MA 
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DE RUCNDT #0168 0541529
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 231529Z FEB 09
FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5914
INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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.

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