LETTER FROM IRAQI PRIME MINISTER NOURI AL-MALIKI

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001873 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL OPDC IZ SUBJECT: LETTER FROM IRAQI PRIME MINISTER NOURI AL-MALIKI TO PRESIDENT OBAMA ¶1. On July 2, Embassy Baghdad received a diplomatic note from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Iraq, which forwarded a letter from Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki to President Obama. Original letter will be send to NEA/I/POL via pouch mail. Below is the text of the letter. Begin text message: Republic of Iraq Nouri K. Al Maliki Prime Minister His Excellency Barak Obama, President of the United States of America, Greetings, On the occasion of the Independence Day of the United States of America on 4th of July, I am pleased to extend to you and the friendly American people my sincerest congratulations and best wishes. I would like to avail myself of this great opportunity to express the deep appreciation of both the Iraqi government and people of the prominent role of the United States of America in supporting the Iraqi people and government to lay the foundations of our nascent democracy and establishing security and stability in the new Iraq, which called for great efforts and sacrifices. I would also like to reiterate our desire to continue our constructive joint cooperation in all fields of the security and interests of out friendly countries. Please accept my best wishes for good health to you and to your esteemed family, as well as continued success, progress, and prosperity to the American people. Please accept my utmost appreciation and regards, (Signed) Nouri K. al-Maliki Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq 1 July 2009 End text message. HILL