LETTER TO SECSTATE

UNCLAS BEIRUT 000321 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT PASS TO NEA/ELA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL LE SUBJECT: LETTER TO SECSTATE ¶1. Following is the text of a letter received today addressed to Secretary of State from Member of Parliament (member of the March 14 Coalition) Walid Jumblatt: Begin Text: Beirut 22 February 2008 The Honorable Dr. Condoleeza Rice United States Secretary of State Dear Madame Secretary, The recent attack against the embassy of the United States of America in Belgrade is an act of terror which we greatly condemn. The United States diplomatic missions as all other nations is a means of communication between the people of the world and such an attack is in fact a targeting of the international community as a whole and an attempt to thrwarts our joint effort to make this world a better place. The United States commitment to democracy and the promotion of liberty is undeniable and your support to the people of Lebanon and all other nations who are strugglng to preserve their freedom and liberty is more than commendable. We salute your efforts to making the world a safer and more peaceful, and hope that such heinous acts do not recur. Best Regards, /s/ Walid Joumblatt End Text. ¶2. The original of the letter will be sent via unclass pouch to the Department. SISON