IRAQI DEPUTY SPEAKER MESSAGE OF THANKS TO

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 000594 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ SUBJECT: IRAQI DEPUTY SPEAKER MESSAGE OF THANKS TO PRESIDENT BUSH ¶1. (SBU) The office of Deputy Speaker Khalid al-Attiya of the Iraqi Council of Representatives (independent member of the Shia coalition) handed PolOffs a letter for President Bush on February 19 (text in para two),in which the Deputy Speaker thanks the U.S. for its continued support and looks forward to the maturation of Iraqi democracy. ¶2. (SBU) BEGIN TEXT: The Honorable George W. Bush President of the United States of America The White House Washington, DC Dear Mr. President, Thank you for you(r) kind note of August 23, 2006 regarding your visit to Baghdad. We too appreciate your dedication and support for the Government and People of Iraq. It is your continued dedication and that of your administration in supporting Iraq's fight against terrorism that will help us move towards a peaceful and stable democratic nation. We hope one day soon Iraq will become a beacon for democracy in the Middle East just as the United States has in the West. We look forward to your continued support and to the establishment of lasting relationships between our people. Sincerely, Khalid al-Attiya Deputy Speaker Council of Representatives Republic of Iraq (Envelope dated February 6, 2007, reference #18) END TEXT. KHALILZAD