LETTER OF CONDOLENCE - AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 002117 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/ES-CR AND S/ES-O DEPT FOR AF/FO, AF/EX, AND AF/RSA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ECON PREL AU SUBJECT: LETTER OF CONDOLENCE - AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION (AU)CHAIRPERSON JEAN PING'S LETTER TO POTUS ¶1. (U) The United Mission to the African Union (USAU) has received the following letter addressed from the AU Commission Chairperson Jean Ping to President Obama on August 27. We will send hard copies via diplomatic pouch. We request that the letter and its contents be brought to the President's attention. ¶2. (U) BEGIN QUOTED TEXT OF DIPLOMATIC NOTE: The Commission of the African Union presents its compliments to the United States Mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa, and has the honor to forward herewith, for urgent transmission, a letter addressed to H.E. Mr. Barack Obama, President of the United States of America by H.E. Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The Bureau of the Chairperson requests that the above-mentioned letter be delivered to its highest destination. The Commission of the African Union avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the United States Mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa the assurances of its highest consideration. Dated 26 August 2009 END QUOTED TEXT OF DIPLOMATIC NOTE ¶3. (U) BEGIN QUOTED TEXT OF LETTER OF CONDOLENCE ON THE DEATH OF SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY: Mr. President, We received the news of the passing away of Senator Edward Kennedy which occurred yesterday, with great shock and sadness. All of us in Africa are aware of the excellent contribution made to governance in the United States by Senator Kennedy himself and the Kennedy family as a whole. His fight for equality for all Americans and for the poor across the world is well known and endeared him to Africans. Senator Edward Kennedy was also admired for his role he played within the Kennedy family after the tragic loss of his elder brothers President John Kennedy and Robert Kennedy. We share the grief of the Kennedy family and pray to God Almighty that they will have the strength to bear the loss. We ask God to also allow the soul of this distinguished leader to have a peaceful repose. In requesting you to share our sympathy and condolences with the American people, please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem. /s/ Jean Ping Chairperson END OF QUOTED TEXT OF LETTER CONDOLENCE. MEECE