OFFICIAL INFORMAL: ABMC NORTH AFRICA

UNCLAS TUNIS 001433

SIPDIS

OFFICIAL INFORMAL
SIPDIS

FOR A/S POWELL FROM AMBASSADOR BILL HUDSON
STATE FOR NEA/MAG - LAWRENCE, NEA/PPD AND R/FO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SCUL KPAO MARR OEXC TS
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL: ABMC NORTH AFRICA

REF: STATE 92220

I read with interest your message on the significance of
American cemeteries and monuments abroad and thought you
would appreciate the efforts that Embassy Tunis has taken to
recognize and utilize the public diplomacy role the North
Africa Cemetery can play.

Embassy Tunis considers the ABMC an integral part of our
mission and I actively encourage all visitors to visit the
cemetery. In 2006 alone, the North Africa Cemetery has been
visited by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy
Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, multiple U.S. senators

SIPDIS
and representatives, and a variety of other civilian and
military officials.

I am also pleased to report that the Tunisian government is
very supportive of North Africa Cemetery. In recognition of
the public diplomacy value of the cemetery, I have invited
GOT officials to join me and other USG officials in events
that have received positive local press coverage.

While Tunisia hosts only one ABMC facility, in May I
participated in the dedication of the Kasserine Pass
Monument. The monument in Kasserine, the first major U.S.
battle in North Africa, presents another opportunity to honor
the heroic sacrifices of Americans in Tunisia. We will
encourage U.S. officials to also visit the Kasserine Pass
Monument if their schedules permit.

Thank you for highlighting the important role of the ABMC in
Tunisia. I assure you it will continue to play an active role
in our public diplomacy efforts.
HUDSON