LETTER TO IRANIAN PRESIDENT FROM IRAQI PRESIDENT

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001175 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL IR IZ SUBJECT: LETTER TO IRANIAN PRESIDENT FROM IRAQI PRESIDENT REF: BAGHDAD 01157 ¶1. Following is the text of the letter sent from Jalal Talibani, President of the Republic of Iraq, to Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran referenced in the report on Ambassador Crocker's first meeting with President Talibani. BEGIN QUOTE: His Excellency the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Esteemed Brother Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Honorable Brother.. Greetings... I write this letter to your Excellency concerning the issue of the International Coalition Forces patrols in Shatt al-Arab which are being carried out at the request of the Iraqi Government to prevent oil smuggling which is the main source of the Iraqi Government budget. We hope your Excellency can show flexibility and tolerance with these patrols to enable them to perform their duties. On this occasion, I make this special request as an old forthcoming and allied brother of the Islamic Republic to release the (15) Britons with their equipment and weapons as a special favour to me personally which will strengthen my position vis-a-vis the Coalition. I avail this opportunity to renew to your Excellency and to the rest of the honorable brothers my sincere thanks for the kindness and affection you have shown during my illness. Please accept my utmost respect. Your Sincere Brother Jalal Talibani President of the Republic of Iraq 2007-03-27 END QUOTE. CROCKER