PROPOSED CONGRATULATORY LETTER FROM SECRETARY TO

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000768 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL DR SUBJECT: PROPOSED CONGRATULATORY LETTER FROM SECRETARY TO FERNANDEZ REF: A. SANTO DOMINGO 0760 ¶B. SANTO DOMINGO 0751 ¶1. This is an action request for WHA/CAR. On May 19, the Ambassador spoke with President Fernandez and congratulated him on his re-election on May 16. Post recommends that the Secretary also send a congratulatory letter to Fernandez. Post requests that WHA/CAR prepare a letter, using the proposed text below, for the Secretary's approval. ¶2. Begin proposed text: President Leonel Fernandez Reyna Presidential Palace Santo Domingo Please accept the congratulations of the people and Government of the United States on your re-election on May 16, 2008. The margin of victory that you received is a strong vote of confidence in your leadership. The large turnout at the polls is emblematic of the Dominican people's strong commitment to democracy. We have as always maintained a deep and productive partnership with the people and government of the Dominican Republic. I would like to express the firm commitment to continue to strengthen our relations even further over the next four years. Once again, congratulations. ¶3. Post appreciates the Department's assistance with this request. Please visit us at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/santodomingo/ FANNIN