FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM A/S DAVID WELCH TO TUNISIAN

UNCLAS STATE 132997 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL TS SUBJECT: FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM A/S DAVID WELCH TO TUNISIAN FM ABDELWAHAB ABDALLAH ¶1. Please deliver the following message from NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch to Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelwahab Abdallah at an appropriate time. The State Department does not plan to release the text of the message but has no objection if the Government of Tunisia wishes to do so. There will be no signed original. ¶2. Begin text: Dear Mr. Minister: After a long and rewarding career with the Foreign Service, I will retire from the U.S. government on December 19. It has been a pleasure to work with you to advance our mutual interests. I have greatly appreciated your engagement on regional issues, including Tunisia,s support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Tunisia,s active participation in the international community, support for educational initiatives and women,s rights, and dedication to counterterrorism are noteworthy. It is my sincere hope that you, your family, and the people of Tunisia experience health, happiness, and prosperity, now and in the years ahead. Count on me as a friend always. Sincerely, David Welch END TEXT. RICE