APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 001242 SIPDIS SIPDIS S/ES-CR; S/ES-O; AND AF/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC IV SUBJECT: APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO TO PRESIDENT BUSH ¶1. Following is the unofficial translation of a letter dated November 2, 2006 addressed to President Bush from President Laurent Gbagbo. A copy of the letter was sent by fax to Embassy Abidjan from the office of the Secretary General of Cote d'Ivoire. Begin translation: From the President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire to His Excellency George Bush, President of the United States of America, Washington. Excellency Mr. President, RE: Appreciation and gratitude The United Kingdom (sic),as a member country of the UN Security Council, has taken an active part in the meeting, held in New York from October 25th to November 1st 2006, in view of finding lasting peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire. During the deliberations, the permanent representation of your country has worked hard for the respect of the sovereignty of the States, a sacred principle of the UN Charter. You have thus made an immense and significant contribution to the debate and I am sure it will be very useful for the resolution of conflicts and the preservation of peace in the world. I would like, on behalf of the people of Cote d'Ivoire and on my own behalf, to express to your Excellency my sincere gratitude and reiterate my commitment and determination to strengthen the cooperation between our two countries and peoples. Your Excellency, please accept the assurance of my highest consideration. Laurent Gbagbo End Translation. ¶2. The faxed copy of the letter will be faxed to AF/W. Hooks