HURRICANE KATRINA: CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM

1. On September 8, Embassy San Jose received a signed letter
addressed to President Bush from President Pacheco extending
his condolences to the Government and people of the United
States and the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Informal Embassy translation of letter follows:

San Jose, September 2, 2005

Your Excellency:

In these times of tribulation and sorrow for a neighboring
country as a consequence of the catastrophic events that
occurred in the state of Louisiana, I address myself to your
Excellency to express, on behalf of the Government of the
Republic of Costa Rica and myself, our deepest sentiments and
solidarity for the irreplaceable loss of human lives and for
the suffering of hundreds of victims.

I would be grateful if your Excellency would extend these
expressions of solidarity to your illustrious Government of
the United States, to the noble people, and to the victims'
families.

I avail myself of this opportunity, Your Excellency, to
reiterate the assurances of my highest and distinguished
consideration and esteem.

/signed/

Abel Pacheco de la Espriella

His Excellency
George W. Bush
President of the United States of America

End informal translation.



2. We forwarded the original of the letter to WHA/CEN by
diplomatic pouch.
FRISBIE