Argentina: Reply from the Radical Civic Union (UCR) to

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000411 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC AR SUBJECT: Argentina: Reply from the Radical Civic Union (UCR) to President Barack Obama's letter of condolence REF: (A) STATE 32009 (B) BUENOS AIRES 0402 ¶1. President of the Radical Civic Union (UCR) National Convention Hipolito Solari-Yrigoyen hand-delivered a letter to the Embassy on April 6 in response to President Obama's April 2 letter (ref A) expressing condolences over the death of former Argentine President and UCR member Raul Alfonsin (ref B). The Radical Civic Union is one of Argentina's oldest political parties. The UCR is a member of the Socialist International, and its policy positions range from liberal to social democratic. Solari-Yrigoyen is a former senator and ambassador who was exiled by the 1976-83 military regime. He is a descendant of two of the UCR's founding fathers, former president Hiploito Yrigoyen and Leandro Alem. The letter was written in English and reads as follows: BEGIN TEXT: Mr. Barack Obama President of the United States of America Excellency: It is with great emotion, gratitude and recognition that I wish to thank you, in the name of the National Convention of the Union Civica Radical, for the kind letter you sent to President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, on the occasion of Dr. Raul Alfonsin's death. Your evocation of our ex-President's character clearly captures the most salient traits of his personality and the summary of his presidency, which was based on democracy, human rights, disarmament, regional integration and the unity of the Americas. These universal values will always be promoted by the Union Civica Radical. We are sure that they also repreent the basis with which Your Excellency conducts the affairs of your great country. Excellency: There is no doubt about your leadership and the leadership of the United States of America in these delicate times of crisis and renewal. Bear no doubt of our sincere affection, support and cooperation so that your success becomes a success for America and humanity as a whole. My best regards, Hipolito Solari Yrigoyen Union Civica Radical National Convention END TEXT. WAYNE