LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GBAGBO TO PRESIDENT BUSH

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000727 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 July 4, 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: As the United States of America celebrates its National Day, it is with great pleasure that I offer on behalf of the Ivorian people and Government, as well as in my own name, my warm congratulations to your county. I also address to your Excellency my sincere good wishes for your health and happiness, peace and lasting prosperity for the people of the United States of America. I also take advantage of this happy opportunity to express the gratitude of the Ivorian people to the American Government and nation for their continued presence by the side of Cote d'Ivoire in its relentless search for peace, harmony and progress. I remain convinced that the cooperation between our two nations, based on the bonds of friendship and mutual respect, will further strengthen and experience a dynamic revival in the interest of our respective peoples. Sincerely, Laurent Gbagbo President of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire End Translation. ¶2. The letter (in French) received by Post and the English translation will be sent by fax to AF/W. HOOKS