Book Review – The first to tell the truth…

“I paid close attention to all of the implications of France?s foreign policy, my passion. During every meeting, the minister of Foreign Affairs conducts his virtual “world tour”. When you work together in such close proximity within the confines of a shared office area, discretion was an absolute necessity.”

“Mr. Hubert Védrine skillfully, and proficiently advocated theses I did not always approve of, and the realism of which often bordered on cynicism. I enjoyed listening to him. Respect, and friendship, however, do not necessarily mean agreement. Hubert does not share my view on either the duty to intervene, or even the right which results from it. The proximity of such close quarters did not allow him to express himself as freely as he wished. Prime Minister Lionel Jospin was often agreed with his minister of Foreign Affairs: a keen awareness of France?s limitations, independence with a touch of sovereignty, a total lack of trust toward the United States of America, a limited preference for Europe. I would have wanted more zest, and passion, a maniacal attachment to human rights, and less realism, the kind of stance one expects from France. The rest, including trust, and popular approval, would naturally follow.”

“I remember the lengthy Malagasy crisis which resulted from the bitter power struggle between President Ravalomanana, and former president Ratsiraka. International relief organizations, from the Physicians Without a Border to Amnesty International, established in Madagascar for decades, all cried foul; unanimously, highly respected priests, and religious leaders denounced Ratsiraka as the tyrant who assassinated many of his fellow citizens, forced countless Malagasy citizens into exile, restricted freedom, and drove the country?s economy into ruin. Although the Malagasy people no longer wanted anything to do with one of the last Stalinists of the world, he somehow managed to get himself reelected “regularly”. Meanwhile, France opted to look the other way, and did absolutely nothing. Each and every time, the Foreign Affairs minister, or the Cooperation minister would simply reiterate a familiar refrain, “We do not know. He would have to accept a third round…”

“Once the Americans have decided to get the ball rolling, we rushed in to secure the evidence; de Villepin miraculously found time for a quick visit to Madagascar. So much wasted time for a policy which still remains driven by anti-American sentiments, as well as conservatism (i.e. indifference) toward Africa. It enrages me that our positions are so contradictory toward our African allies, French-speaking or English-speaking.”

If you are interested in seeing this book translated into French, please contact Madonline. You may order the French version through Amazon:

http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/2221098374/madagascaonli-21

Translated by J. F. Razanamiadana