LETTER OF CONDOLENCE FROM KING ABDULLAH TO THE

UNCLAS AMMAN 005085 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES AND NEA/LEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL JO KTER SUBJECT: LETTER OF CONDOLENCE FROM KING ABDULLAH TO THE FAMILY OF PAUL JOHNSON Embassy Amman received via fax June 19 a letter from King Abdullah to the family of Paul Marshall Johnson expressing the King's deepest condolences on Mr. Johnson's death. Post sent this letter via fax on June 20 to S/ES-O for forwarding to the Johnson family. A signed original of the letter was received at post June 21 and will be pouched to NEA/LEA. The text of the letter is as follows: To Members of the Johnson Family, It was with a deep sense of shock and sadness that I learnt of the barbaric act committed - in total and callous disregard of the sanctity of human innocent life - by extremists, on the person of Mr. John Marshall Johnson. This odious attack is yet another reminder that the forces opposed to peace and stability will stop at nothing to achieve their objectives. None of us can afford to let them succeed. We reiterate our resolve today to reject all the claims of terror, in particular, those that sanction the slaughter of humanity in the name of the One God, the Merciful and the Compassionate. Islam can never sanction the killing of the innocent. Far from condoning terror and injustice, Islam is a religion of peace, forgiveness and acceptance, a faith that upholds and sanctifies human life. Moderate Muslims have also been a target of these heinous attacks, and we are in more need today, than ever before, of concerted action to totally eradicate the scourge of terrorism. Queen Rania joins me in conveying to you, and all members of the Johnson family, our deepest condolences and sympathies for your tragic loss. May faith sustain you, and God bestow upon you and your family patience, fortitude and comfort at these difficult hours. //Abdullah II of Jordan// GNEHM