ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA SENDS MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY TO

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000474 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/CAR-BUDDEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL AC SUBJECT: ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA SENDS MESSAGE OF SYMPATHY TO PRESIDENT BUSH ON VIRGINIA TECH EVENTS ¶1. The following message was received 20 April 2007. Begin Text: 152/2007 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Antigua and Barbuda presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to request that the following message from the Honourable Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, be transmitted to President George Bush, President of the United States of America. "To His Excellency George Bush, President of the United States of America, I wish to convey my shock and disbelief at the tragic events which occurred at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech. On behalf of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, I would like to express deep sympathy towards the victims' families, as well as the students and faculty of that institution. The United States of America is well known for its ability to quickly recover from such unfortunate events, and I wish to encourage you, America's leader, to continue to be the paramount example of strength for the good of your country, during these difficult times. Please accept my best wishes and highest esteem. Baldwin Spencer Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda" The Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America, the assurances of its highest consideration. Ministry of Foreign Affairs St. John's 20th April, 2007 End Text. ¶2. The Diplomatic Note will be faxed to WHA/CAR. GILROY