HEAD OF PML-N PARTY CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT

UNCLAS ISLAMABAD 003537 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL OVIP SUBJECT: HEAD OF PML-N PARTY CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA REF: SECSTATE 118192 ¶1. (SBU) The following letter was sent by Nawaz Sharif, the President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. It is a center-right secular party with a conservative, urban base in Punjab. Nawaz Sharif was Prime Minister of Pakistan twice; he was ousted in 1999 in a coup led by then General Pervez Musharraf. Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from exile in 2007; his party won the second-largest number of seats in the February 2008 parliamentary elections. However, the PML-N withdrew from the ruling coalition in August 2008 over differences with President Zardari and now represents the largest opposition party in Pakistan. ¶2. (U) Below is the text of the letter. We will pouch the original to S/ES-CR. ¶3. (U) Begin text: Dear Senator Obama, It gives me great pleasure to convey my warm felicitations and good wishes to you on your historic victory in the just concluded Presidential election in the United States. We, in Pakistan, have watched with great admiration the manner in which you conducted the election campaign, overcoming tremendous odds, including historic disadvantages. This demonstrated both character and conviction of unparalleled strength and intensity. Pakistan has been privileged to enjoy close and cooperative relations with the United States, ever since its independence. We were, therefore, particularly gratified at your victory for we believe that your background, as well as your world view, makes you eminently qualified to bring about the kind of transformation that your country yearns for and the world is desirous of. Having suffered from years of military dictatorships, we were particularly gratified at your categorical rejection of authoritarian regimes. This is why the people of Pakistan have welcomed your resolve to support the strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan. We are confident that under your wise and sagacious leadership, Pakistan,s relationship with the United States will be established as a genuine partnership between two peoples who treasure freedom, passionately believe in democracy and espouse partnership and engagement among all nations. It has, however, been your approach to international issues that represents not only a reversal from the failed policies of the past, but also bold initiative and positive imagination. The hopes and expectations generated at the end of the Cold War regrettably failed to materialize, primarily because the policy of unilateralism added to global conflict and confrontation, giving rise to anxiety and uncertainty. Your well-articulated views represent a breath of fresh air, a welcome departure from the failed policies of the past and a return to the noble ideals of the Founding Fathers of your great country. This has renewed our faith in the inherent strength of the United States as a powerful factor for global peace and security. I assure you of our good wishes in the difficult task on which you have embarked. With profound regards, Yours sincerely, //signed// Muhammad Nawaz Sharif End text. PATTERSON