CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO TO

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000422 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR S/ES-CR; S/ES-O; AND AF/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC IV SUBJECT: CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO TO PRESIDENT BUSH ¶1. Following is an Embassy translation of a letter dated April 17, 2007, addressed to President Bush from President Laurent Gbagbo. The Office of the Prime Minister of Cote d,Ivoire faxed a copy of the letter to Embassy. Begin translation: From the President of the Republic to His Excellency George Walker Bush, President of the United States of America, Washington. Dear Mr. President, I heard with utter dismay the tragic news about the shooting that took place last Monday, April 16, 2007 on the campus of Virginia Tech University, in Virginia, and which caused the death of 33 people. On this painful occasion, I would like to express to you on behalf of the Ivorian people and Government as well as in my own name, my deepest sympathy to you and request that you extend to the bereaved families and to the entire American nation, my heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Laurent Gbagbo President of the Republic of Cote d,Ivoire End translation ¶2. The faxed copy of the letter will be sent to AF/W via unclassified pouch. SIPDIS Hooks