KHAMA RESPONDS TO SECRETARY'S THANK YOU ON ZIMBABWE

UNCLAS GABORONE 001130 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC AF BC SUBJECT: KHAMA RESPONDS TO SECRETARY'S THANK YOU ON ZIMBABWE REF: STATE 132215 ¶1. SUMMARY: President Khama has sent a response to Secretary Rice's letter of thanks regarding the GOB's leadership concerning the Zimbabwe crisis. ¶2. On December 24, Embassy Gaborone received a letter under cover of GOB Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Diplomatic Note for Secretary Rice from Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana. The letter was in response to Secretary Rice's December 17 letter of thanks to President Khama regarding the work Botswana is doing in relation to the Zimbabwe crisis (reftel). ¶3. Begin text of Diplomatic note: Note No: 65/2008 EA 6/16 XXX (123) C2 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to forward herewith a letter dated 23rd December 2008 from His Excellency Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana addressed to Her Excellency Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State, U.S. State Department. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. End Text of Diplomatic Note ¶4. Begin Text of Letter to Secretary Rice: PPO 8/12 VI (78) 23rd December 2008 H.E. Dr Condoleezza Rice Secretary of State U.S. State Department Dear Madame Secretary, I acknowledge with appreciation, receipt of your letter, regarding the political and humanitarian crises in Zimbabwe and Botswana's support for the rights of the Zimbabwe people. The political and humanitarian crises in Zimbabwe is a serious threat, not only to the Republic of Botswana, but also to the stability of the entire Southern Africa region. Botswana remains committed to working with SADC, the international community and the United States in particular, to finding a lasting solution to the crises in Zimbabwe. It is important that the United States continue to play a constructive role in an overall effort to bring about the restoration of peace and stability to the Republic of Zimbabwe. Please accept, Madame Secretary, the assurances of my highest consideration. Yours sincerely, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama President of the Republic of Botswana End Text of Letter ¶5. The Embassy has sent the original letter, via Diplomatic Pouch to Elizabeth Pelletreau, AF/S Botswana Desk Officer. NOLAN