CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT

UNCLAS BEIRUT 001595 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR AND S/ES-O DEPT ALSO FOR NEA/ELA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL OVIP LE SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT REF: STATE 118192 ¶1. Following is the text of a letter received Friday, November 7, 2008 from Saad R. Hariri, Member of Parliament, leader of the majority and head of the Future Parliamentary Bloc, to the President-elect. ¶2. Begin Text: The Honorable Barack Obama President-elect of the United States of America Dear President-elect Obama, On behalf of the Lebanese people and the Democracy Movement in Lebanon I would like to congratulate you on this historic achievement for the American people in winning the elections and becoming the 44th president of the United States of America. This vote of confidence by the American people is a testament to the greatness of this nation and its people who never fail to amaze and inspire the world with their courage, resilience, and goodness. We, who look up to this beacon of freedom and liberty from around the world wish you and your great country success in this new endeavor and responsibility to keep America as it has always been throughout its history, the city on the Hill, a place for hope, justice, compassion and dignity for all. To keep it a place, as you eloquently said, where dreams come true especially if they are dreams of the best that humanity can promise, dreams of freedom and liberty to all people regardless of their origin, color or faith. I am sure that under your visionary leadership people who are seeking support to live in peace and security will find in you a helping hand to fulfill their dream to live in a world free of want and free of fear as one of your great presidents once dreamed so they may find their voices that will set them free. Again Mr. Obama please accept my best wishes for great success in your new mission and may God the merciful guide you and be always with you. Sincerely, /s/ Saad Rafic Hariri Beirut, November 5, 2008 End text. ¶3. The original of the letter is being sent to S/ES-CR under registry number 9395899. SISON