IRAQI LEADERS OFFER CONDOLENCES AFTER VIRGINIA

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001385 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC IZ SUBJECT: IRAQI LEADERS OFFER CONDOLENCES AFTER VIRGINIA TECH SHOOTINGS ¶1. (U) Iraqi Political leaders, including President Talabani, Vice-President Hashimi, and Kurdistan Regional Government President Barzani offered their condolences both to the President as well as to the Ambassador in the wake of the shootings at Virginia Tech on April 16. ¶2. (U) The below letter from Vice-President Tariq al-Hashimi was conveyed to the Ambassador on April 18. ¶3. (U) Begin text: April 18, 2007 H.E. Ryan C. Crocker Ambassador of the United States of America Baghdad Iraq Excellency; I was shocked by the grievous incident that struck the University of Virginia for technologies two days ago, in spite the crisis my country is going through which might be one of its kind in the resent history as well as the ancient one, we still follow up on the Globes events & feel for other nation's sufferings therefore I would not hesitate to express my compassion with the families of victims whether they were students or professors. Kindly accept my sincere condolences & convey them to President George W. Bush, Secretary Condoleezza Rice & the American people. Regards, (Signed) Tariq al-Hashimi Vice President of Iraq End Text. ¶4. (U) The below letter from President Jalal Talabani to President Bush was conveyed to the Ambassador on April 19. ¶5. (U) Begin Text: Dear President George W Bush, On behalf of the people of Iraq and myself, I express our deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the horrific tragedy of Virginia Tech. While we are mourning our dead here in Baghdad, our thoughts are with families of the victims for there great loss. We pray for their strength during these difficult times and wish the speedy recovery of the wounded. Sincerely Yours Jalal Talabani President of Iraq End Text. ¶6. (U) KRG President Massoud Barzani called the Ambassador on April 17 to express his condolences and support for the U.S. at a time of national tragedy. He stressed that the Kurds were especially affected because of the strong support the U.S. has shown for their security, and asked that his deepest sympathy be conveyed to President Bush. CROCKER