PRESIDENT FERNANDEZ SENDS LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000986 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL DR SUBJECT: PRESIDENT FERNANDEZ SENDS LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO VP BIDEN ON DEATH OF SENATOR KENNEDY ¶1. On 8/28, Embassy received a diplomatic note from the Foreign Ministry forwarding a signed letter, dated 8/26, from President Leonel Fernandez to Vice President Joseph Biden, in his capacity as President of the Senate, expressing condolences on the death of Senator Edward Kennedy. The original letter will be sent by pouch to WHA/CAR. The text is provided in para 2. ¶2. Begin text: Mr. Joe Biden President of the Senate 317 Russell Senate Building Washington, DC 20510 The Dominican nation expresses its most heartfelt sadness on the death of Senator Edward Kennedy, who passed away at 77, leaving a political legacy of great significance for future generations. I extend our condolences to the Congress, to the American people, and to the influential Kennedy family for the irreparable loss of a man whose public life obtained high praises, making him an icon for the most advanced ideas of social progress in his country. With the death of the Democratic Senator from Massachusetts, a bright green light is lost in North American politics, for he was a man who knew how to fight for the most genuine interests of equality and solidarity. The Dominican people will raise its highest prayers to bring tranquillity and acceptance to the prestigious and influential Kennedy family for the passing of the illustrious Senator. Sincerely, (signed) Leonel Fernndez End text. LAMBERT