DJIBOUTI EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO IRAQ ON

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001253 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR AF, AF/E, AND NEA NSC FOR MARK SWAYNE LONDON/PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM KPAO PREL PGOV DJ IZ SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI EXTENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO IRAQ ON LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS REF: STATE 225860 ¶1. (SBU) In a December 18 meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Ali Youssuf, Ambassador encouraged an expression of support on the part of the Government of the Republic of Djibouti for the process of legislative elections that had just taken place with success in Iraq. The Minister responded positively to the request and on the same day directed that the following press communiqu (embassy's translation) be issued: Begin text: - The Republic of Djibouti congratulates Iraq on the positive unfolding of its legislative elections which were characterized by large participation of all components of Iraqi society. Holding of these elections witnesses the significant evolution of the political process in Iraq which will lead to formation and putting into place a new Iraq government. - The Government of the Republic of Djibouti seizes this occasion to reaffirm its encouragement and its support of the brotherly Iraqi people engaged in this political process. End text. ¶2. (U) The official communiqu appeared in Djibouti's print and electronic media on December 19. RAGSDALE