HURRICANE KATRINA: CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 002096 SIPDIS FOR HURRICANE KATRINA TASK FORCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC CS SUBJECT: HURRICANE KATRINA: CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM PRESIDENT PACHECO TO PRESIDENT BUSH REF: SAN JOSE 2086 ¶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