CONGRATULATORY LETTER ON BEHALF OF PRIME MINISTER

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000746 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC MR SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY LETTER ON BEHALF OF PRIME MINISTER WAGHEF TO SECRETARY-DESIGNATE CLINTON ¶1. (SBU) Mission received December 18 a letter signed by President Abdallahi's Minister of Education on behalf of Prime Minister Yahya Ould Ahmed El Waghef who is being held in prison by the post-August 6 coup authorities. An informal translation of the letter (being forwarded in the original French to AF/W) follows. ¶2. (SBU) Begin Text: On the occasion of your nomination as the head of the Department of State in the administration of President-elect Barack Obama, I have the honor to offer my hearty congratulations and wishes for success in your mission for the well-being of our friends the American people. As you know, my country is passing through a grave political crisis born in the coup d'etat of August 6, 2008, that has put at risk our democratic gains and exposed Mauritania and the sub-region to an era of instability and insecurity. This same menace calls for a rapid and effective reaction by the international community to save democracy and re-establish the constitutional order that came from the free and transparent elections to which your country gave such valuable assistance. I am convinced that your personal and intellectual qualities and your rich experience will be great assets in favor of the support for promotion of peace, security and liberty throughout the world from which the Mauritanian people will draw great benefit. Please accept, Madame Secretary, the expressions of my highest consideration. Signed: For the detained Prime Minister Minister of National Education Mohamed Ould Amar End Text HANKINS