LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO TO PRESIDENT BUSH

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000252 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES-CR AND S/ES-O; AF/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC IV SUBJECT: LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO TO PRESIDENT BUSH ¶1. Following is the unofficial English translation of a letter dated March 5, 2007, addressed to President George Walker Bush from President Laurent Gbagbo. Embassy Abidjan received a copy of the letter by fax from the office of President Gbagbo. Begin translation: From the President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire to His Excellency George Walker Bush President of the United States of America Washington Dear Mr. President: I heard with great dismay the tragic news about the damage caused by the tornadoes that have been hitting your country, in Alabama and Missouri, since last Thursday and which led to the death of 19 of your fellow citizens. On this painful occasion, I would like to express on behalf of the Ivorian people and Government, as well as in my own name, my deep sympathy to you and request your Excellency to extend to the bereaved and distressed families, as well as to the entire American nation, my sincere compassion and heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Laurent Gbagbo President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire End Translation. ¶2. A copy of the letter and the English translation will be sent by fax to AF/W. Hooks