CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ABDALLAHI TO

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000075 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ODPC MR SUBJECT: CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ABDALLAHI TO PRESIDENT OBAMA REF: NOUAKCHOTT 73 ¶1. (SBU) Charge received January 25 from Presidential Chief of Staff Ahmed Kaber Ould Hammoudi a congratulatory letter from President Abdallahi to President Obama dated January 22. A scanned copy of the letter will be sent to AF/W. In the letter, Abdallahi expresses his belief that the USG will continue its firm stance against the coup and spur the international community to action. Note: Abdallahi's letter was written just before his attempted return to Nouakchott was thwarted by security forces (Reftel). End note. Ould Hammoudi told Charge that the President had asked him January 24 to also convey his appreciation for continuing USG support as seen in the State Department statement of January 23. ¶2. (SBU) The following text is an English translation of the original French: BEGIN TEXT Mr. President, It is a great honor for me to present to you my sincere congratulations on your inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America. I am convinced that during your term in office, just causes, particularly the struggle for liberty, democracy, and well-being, will experience great advances throughout the world. I have no doubt that this will be the case for the struggle that we are leading here in Mauritania to foil the August 6, 2008 coup d'etat that put an end to a democratic regime that was considered a model in Africa and in the Arab world. The position of the United States of America in regards to this coup d'etat is exemplary by the force with which it has condemned the authors of this act, and by the sanctions it has considered against them. My firm belief is that with your administration, this position will be strengthened even more, and that the United States will work to mobilize the international community to work for the departure of the military junta and for the return of constitutional order. Please accept, Mr. President, the expression of my highest consideration. Sidi Mohamed Ould CHEIKH ABDALLAHI END TEXT ¶3. (SBU) Also on January 25, the Mission received a letter dated January 21 from junta leader General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz addressed to President Obama. A scanned copy will be forwarded to AF/W. Post recommends that this letter not/not be responded to. The text of the letter follows: ¶4. (SBU) Begin Text Mr. President, On the occasion of your entry into office, I am eager to pass our best wishes of health, luck and success. I would also like to assure you of our full willingness to work with you for the development and reinforcement of the cooperative relations between our two countries. Finally, I hope that your taking office at the head of the United States of America will mark the beginning of a new era of progress, prosperity, and well being for your great people who are the friend of justice, peace and security for all of humanity. Please accept, Mr. President the expression of my highest consideration. General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz President of the High State Council, Head of State HANKINS