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.
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