NOVEMBER 5 DIPNOTE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA

UNCLAS PORT LOUIS 000386 DEPT FOR S/ES-CR AND S/ES-O E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL OVIP SE SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 5 DIPNOTE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA FROM SEYCHELLES' PRESIDENT JAMES A.MICHEL REF: STATE 118192 ¶1. On November 5, Post received a faxed copy of Diplomatic Note Number: 72/2008 from President James A. Michel addressed to President-Elect Barack Obama, conveying a congratulatory message. As soon as it is received, Post will deliver the official signed document to the Department. ¶2. Following is the entire text of President James A. Michel's letter in original English. Begin text: EXCELLENCY, AS THE NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IT AFFORDS ME THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY TO CONVEY TO YOU, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF SEYCHELLES, OUR WARMEST AND MOST SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS. AS THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CELEBRATE THE VICTORY OF ITS FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN CANDIDATE TO BE ELECTED TO HOLD THE NATION'S HIGHEST OFFICE, I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS IS BUT THE BEGINNING OF AN ERA OF HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENTS. I AM CERTAIN THAT THE DETERMINATION AND STRENGTH YOU HAVE PORTRAYED DURING THIS HISTORIC CAMPAIGN WOULD BE THE CONSTANT DRIVING FORCES IN THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICIES YOU ENDEAVOUR TO REALIZE FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUR PEOPLE AND THAT OF THE FREE WORLD. OUR TWO PEOPLES ARE BOUND BY HISTORICAL TIES BY THE COMMON HERITAGE HANDED DOWN THROUGH THE GENERATIONS BY OUR COMMON ANCESTORS. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONTINUED EXCELLENT RELATIONS BETWEEN OUR TWO COUNTRIES AND TO A FRUITFUL COLLABORATION WITH YOUR NEW ADMINISTRATION. PLEASE ACCEPT, YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE ASSURANCES OF MY HIGHEST CONSIDERATION AND OUR BEST WISHES FOR YOUR CONTINUED GOOD HEALTH AND FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SIGNED JAMES A. MICHEL PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES End of text. CABRERA