INAUGURAL INVITATION FOR PRESIDENT BUSH

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 002659 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES-CR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV OVIP GT SUBJECT: INAUGURAL INVITATION FOR PRESIDENT BUSH ¶1. On October 15, the Embassy received Diplomatic Note number 9-1452 from the Directorate of Protocol at the Foreign Ministry. The note, unofficially translated in paragraph 2, is a cover letter for an invitation to President Bush from President Portillo to attend the January 14 inauguration in Guatemala City. Copies of the note and invitation have been faxed to WHA/CEN and originals will follow by pouch. The note is dated October 8, and the invitation is dated September 31, 2003. Our unofficial translation of the invitation is in paragraph 3. ¶2. Begin text of Diplomatic Note 9-1452: Ministry of Foreign Relations, Guatemala City, Central America Note Number MA.9-1452--Protocol The General Directorate of Protocol and Diplomatic Ceremony of the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Guatemala, presents its compliments to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to attach an invitation from Mr. Alfonso Portillo Cabrera, President of the Republic of Guatemala, to his Excellency Mr. George W. Bush, President of the United States, to attend the Guatemalan Presidential Inauguration on January 14, 2004. The General Directorate of Protocol and Diplomatic Ceremony of the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Guatemala takes this opportunity to renew its highest and most distinguished considerations to the Honorable Embassy of the United States. Guatemala, October 8, 2003 Honorable Embassy of the Unites States, Guatemala City End text of Diplomatic Note. ¶3. Begin text of invitation: The President of the Republic of Guatemala, Central America Guatemala, September 30, 2003 Great and Good Friend, I have the honor to greet your Excellency and extend a cordial invitation to your illustrious government to attend the Guatemalan Presidential Inauguration that will take place in this capital city on January 14, 2004. I take this occasion to renew to your Excellency assurances of my highest and most distinguished considerations. Signature and Seal of President Portillo Excellency Mr. George W. Bush President of the United States of America, Washington DC, USA End text. HAMILTON