PRESIDENT ABDALLAHI RECONFIRMS HIS AMBASSADOR TO

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000770 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC MR SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ABDALLAHI RECONFIRMS HIS AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. ¶1. (SBU) Charge received December 28 a letter from Mauritanian President Abdallahi to President Bush reconfirming Ambassador Dia Ibrahima as his representative in the U.S. Informal translation of the letter follows (copy of French original will be forwarded to AF/W). ¶2. (SBU) Begin Text: Mr. President, Allow me first of all to convey my recognition and appreciation for the constant support and firm assistance that you personally and your administration continue to provide for the return of constitutional order in Mauritania. I would equally like to bring to your esteemed attention that our Ambassador to Washington, Mr. Dia Ibrahima, decided to resign shortly following the August 6, 2008, coup d'etat thereby rejecting any form of collaboration with the putschists. Being advised belatedly of this decision, due to my isolation from the exterior world imposed by the military junta during the past months, I was unable to advise you earlier of my refusal to accept this resignation. I therefore request, Mr. President, to graciously consider that Mr. Dia Ibrahima continues to be Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to the Government of the United States of America. I have renewed my instructions to him to continue working to reinforce the already strong relations that unite our two countries that the victory of democracy in Mauritania, for which you are ardently working, will make even stronger. Please accept, Mr. President, the expression of my highest consideration. Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi HANKINS