PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO'S CONGRATULATIONS TO

UNCLAS BRAZZAVILLE 000297


DEPT FOR AF/EX PMO SYLVIE MARTINEZ
DEPT FOR AF/C MADEEHA ASHRAF
DEPT FOR S/ES-CR NATALIE CHAGNON
DEPT FOR S/ES-O

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL OVIP ODIP CF
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT SASSOU-NGUESSO'S CONGRATULATIONS TO
PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA

REF: STATE 118192



1. On Friday, 7 November, post received a letter of
congratulations dated November 5, 2008, and addressed to
President-elect Barack Obama from Republic of Congo President
Denis Sassou-Nguesso.


2. BEGIN ORIGINAL TEXT:

Monsieur le President,

Votre brillante election a la presidence des Etats-Unis
d'Amerique m'offre l'occasion de vous adresser mes vives et
chaleureuses felicitations auxquelles je joins mes voeux ardents
de reussite dans la lourde mission qui vient de vous etre
confiee.

Par ce choix dont la portee historique n'a pas echappe a la
communaute internationale, votre grand peuple a donne la preuve
de sa capacite a perpetuer le reve americain dont vous etes
aujourd-hui, apres tant d'autres, le symbole et l'incarnation.

Par ces temps d'incertitudes et de doutes, le monde vous regarde
avec espoir et esperance. Parce que vous etes une promesse de
progres et d'avenir.

Acceptez que je vous assure de mon entiere disponibilite et de
celle de mon gouvernement a oeuvrer avec vous-meme et avec votre
administration, a la recherche de solutions concertees aux
multiples defis auxquels l'humanite est confrontee.

Je saisis cette opportunite pour vous dire mon engagement a
renforcer les relations cordiales qui lient si heureusement nos
deux pays et nos deux peuples.

Je vous prie d'agreer, Monsieur le President, l'assurance de ma
tres haute consideration.

(signed) Denis Sassou-Nguesso

END ORIGINAL TEXT.


3. BEGIN POST TRANSLATION:

Dear Mr. President,

Your impressive election to the presidency of the United States
of America provides me the opportunity to send you my heartfelt
and warmest congratulations as well as my best wishes for
success in the great mission that has been entrusted to you.

This historical choice did not escape the attention of the
international community. The American people have proved their
ability to perpetuate the American dream of which today, after
so many others, you are the symbol and embodiment.

During this time of uncertainty and doubt, the world is looking
to you with hope and expectation. You are the promise of
progress and the future.

I assure you that my government and I are completely available
to work with you and your administration to find joint solutions
to the many challenges that confront humanity.

I am taking this opportunity to confirm my commitment to
strengthen the cordial ties that so fortunately exist between
our two nations and our two people.

Sincerely, Denis Sassou-Ngesso

END POST TRANSLATION.


4. The hard copy of the original letter has been sent via
unclassified diplomatic pouch to the attention of S/ES-CR
Natalie Chagnon, HST Room 7512. The pouch registration number
is 1655612.

EASTHAM