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