IRAQI DPM CHALABI SENDS CONDOLENCE LETTERS

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 003709 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/I-POL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL IZ SUBJECT: IRAQI DPM CHALABI SENDS CONDOLENCE LETTERS TO PRESIDENT BUSH AND VP CHENEY ¶1. On September 4 Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Chalabi addressed two letters, one each to President Bush and Vice President Cheney, expressing condolences to the American people for the enormity of Hurricane Katrina. The text of the two letters is identical. ¶2. The letters' text follows, in its original English: We wish to express our deepest sympathies to the people of the United States of America for the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. We Iraqis owe a debt of gratitude to the American people, and especially the men and women of the US armed forces, who have sacrificed so much for the cause of freedom, democracy and justice in Iraq. Please accept our condolences at this time and be assured that we stand ready to assist the United States mn any way possible during these sad times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this tragedy. Sincerely, [signature] Ahmad Chalabi END LETTER TEXT. Satterfield