LETTER FROM ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL AMRE

UNCLAS CAIRO 001051 SIPDIS PASS TO NEA/RA MIKE ADLER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ODIP OVIP PREL EG SUBJECT: LETTER FROM ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL AMRE MOUSSA TO SECRETARY CLINTON REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S JUNE 4, 2009 SPEECH AT CAIRO UNIVERSITY ¶1. Below letter was passed by Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to Undersecretary Burns on June 7. Original letter will be sent via pouch. ¶2. Begin text: 7 June 2009 Excellency, I am writing to express my deep appreciation for the message of President Barack Obama to the Muslim and Arab worlds in his speech of 4 June 2009 at Cairo University. President Obama's speech presented a much needed fresh approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict. It stems from the need for taking bold steps, especially freezing settlement activities, in order to pave the way for a productive peace process. It also considered the Arab Peace Initiative as an important basis for achieving comprehensive peace in our region. The speech set the record straight in highlighting the historical role of the Islamic civilization. It was an important recognition that provides a solid foundation for a future relationship between the West and Islam built on understanding, mutual respect and common interests. We, in the League of Arab States, welcome this approach by the United States. I hope that we can arrange a meeting in the near future to discuss ways and means of having a meaningful and in-depth dialogue between the United States and the Arab world on the different areas mentioned in the President's speech. I am ready to send a delegation of high officials from the Secretariat of the Arab League to Washington to discuss the way forward in this regard. Sincerely, Amre Moussa H.E Mrs. Hillary Clinton Secretary of State, The United States of America End text. SCOBEY