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