Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BAGHDAD1385
2007-04-23 12:17:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

IRAQI LEADERS OFFER CONDOLENCES AFTER VIRGINIA

Tags:  PREL OPDC IZ 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO3582
PP RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHGB #1385 1131217
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 231217Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0866
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001385 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OPDC IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQI LEADERS OFFER CONDOLENCES AFTER VIRGINIA
TECH SHOOTINGS

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