UZBEKISTAN: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT

UNCLAS TASHKENT 001298 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR S/ES-O E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC OVIP PREL UZ SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT KARIMOV REF: SECSTATE 118192 ¶1. The president of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, sent the following congratulatory message to President-elect Obama, the original of which was transmitted to the Department on November 5 via the Uzbek Embassy in Washington. This cable is for record traffic purposes only and, per Reftel, we understand no action is required of post or Washington as the original text has already been conveyed. ¶2. Text of President Karimov's letter to President-elect Obama: The Honorable Barack Hussein Obama President-elect of the United States of America Dear Mr. Obama, Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the occasion of your decisive victory in the elections of the President of the United States of America. We deeply believe that your tremendous success in the elections demonstrates that the American people fully support the course declared by you towards fundamental and constructive changes in domestic and external policies on the United States, prosperity of the nation, immediate resolution of the serious international and regional problems, and strengthening global security and stability. Uzbekistan is open for further development of constructive, multifaceted dialogue aimed at strengthening multilateral relations with the United States based on trust, mutual respect and equal partnership that unambiguously meet the long-term interests of our people. Let me wish you, Mr. Obama, robust health and every success in your important public service, and to all American people - well-being and prosperity. Respectfully, Islam Karimov President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tashkent City November 5th, 2008 NORLAND