Diplomacy: France wants to support the TGV’s transition

Diplomatically very active, Jean Marc Châtaigner has been an unofficial ambassador since his arrival in March 2009. The issue is settled on November 10th, 2009, by the presentation of his credence letter. France can now restart the conquest of Madagascar, project already started with Jean Marc Châtaigner’s landing. France is keen on bringing its contribution to the Transition’s good management and to the implementation of the in Addis Ababa started process by the easing of the institutions’ set up, and by close collaboration with Madagascar’s other partners and financial backers. 

According to the French ambassador, everyone’s involvement in the transition in Madagascar is paramount. “It is an open transition, transparent, with a president, two co presidents and a national unity Prime minister”, he argued. Mr. Châtaigner then flattered the “TGV” by declaring that the transition’s train was running, and that everybody was on board. “Everything must be done so that it does not break down”, he moderated. 

Jean Marc Châtaigner is delighted with the political agreement found between the Malagasy political mobilities concerning distribution of power and the setting up of a national unity government. According to the ambassador’s statement, the Transition’s priority mission is to lead to “free, fair and transparent elections meant to pledge to the Malagasy people the plain choice of its leaders “. The forthcoming arrival of international missions from organizations as the OIF or the United Nations in order to determine the technical needs for the organization of votes has, thus , been announced. 

France had been having no genuine ambassador in Madagascar for a couple of years, since Alain Le Roy’s departure, Gildas Le Lidec’s presence in 2008 not being recorded. Jean Marc Châtaigner’s swiftness to get settled and regularly sorted is natural in itself. Sent to the Great Isle on the day after what has been denounced as a Coup, the diplomat was not able to present his credence letters prior to recognition of the new regime by the international community. 

Even Paris’ favorable position failed to influence the balance as the European Union required the return to constitutional order in Madagascar. Three days after the signature of Addis Ababa’s additional act concerning the Malagasy Transition, Jean Marc Châtaigner entered Iavoloha in the name of France. This is the first foreign official to grant official recognition to the new Transition. 

An Andry Rajoelina newly decorated Transition’s president received France’s ambassador. The Rajoelina mobility’s propaganda immediately tries to build on it by affirming that there is only one president, and that both co presidents, who were not seen in Iavoloha, are only advisors. However, France, represented by ambassador Châtaigner also recognized both of other transitional leaders as Co presidents.