US embassy cable - 05PARIS4833

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004833 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/11/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, IV, SF, FR 
SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: FRENCH VIEWS POST-PRETORIA II 
AGREEMENT 
 
REF: A. PRETORIA 2577 
     B. ABIDJAN 1148 
 
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt 
for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) Embassy Africa watcher met with MFA AF PDAS-equivalent 
Elisabeth Barbier on July 1, to discuss various African 
issues (Paris 4660 re Aristide/South Africa, Paris 4755 re 
Chad) including the situation in Cote d'Ivoire after the 
Pretoria II agreement.  Barbier stated that she believed the 
agreement was mostly positive, but expressed concern about 
the will of the Ivoirian parties to fulfill their 
obligations.  Barbier noted that the agreement carried the 
threat of sanctions against those who obstructed the process. 
 Barbier also confirmed (ref A, para 4) that South African 
Defense Minister Lekota would assume a greater role in the 
Ivoirian process. 
 
2. (C) Asked whether France would be taking any action 
regarding the situation in Cote d'Ivoire, Barbier responded 
that there were no foreseen initiatives.  France, she said, 
remained supportive of the AU-mandated South African 
mediation.  We subsequently learned from DAS-equivalent Remi 
Marechaux July 11 that South African FM Zuma will meet French 
FM Douste-Blazy July 13.  Cote d'Ivoire is sure to be on the 
agenda. 
STAPLETON