DOMINICAN SECRETARY FOR ARMED FORCES SENDS EMBASSY

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 002601

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA, WHA/CAR AND PM;NSC FOR SHANNON AND MADISON
LABOR FOR ILAB; TREASURY FOR OASIA-LAMONICA
USDOC FOR 4322/ITA/MAC/WH/CARIBBEAN BASIN DIVISION
USDOC FOR 3134/ITA/USFCS/RD/WH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: DR MARR MOPS OPDC PREL
SUBJECT: DOMINICAN SECRETARY FOR ARMED FORCES SENDS EMBASSY
OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF TROOP PULLOUT IN IRAQ


1. On April 28, Embassy received official correspondence
from Secretary of Armed Forces, Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez,
stating the Dominican Republic's intention to remove their
troops from Iraq. His letter is dated April 20 but was
almost certainly written on April 26 or April 27.


2. An image of the original is available on our SIPRNET site,
linked to the article "DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: PRES. MEJIA
EXPLAINS TROOP PULLOUT FROM IRAQ."

3.Following is an unofficial translation.

(Begin Translation)

Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador:

This Ministry warmly salutes your Embassy, and takes
advantage of this occasion to inform you that the Dominican
government has made the firm decision to remove, as quickly
as possible, our soldiers from the state of Iraq. They have
been there since August 2003 as part of the coalition for
Operation Iraqi Freedom, led by your prestigious country,
with the praiseworthy mission of liberating and creating the
proper conditions for the advancement of that grand society
of Iraq. We have issued directives in keeping with this
determination.

The Dominican Armed Forces take advantage of the opportunity
to reiterate its support to the United States government in
its war against terrorism and in its quest for world peace,
at the same time reiterating our high sentiments of
consideration and esteem.

(signed)
Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez

(End translation)
HERTELL