LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA

UNCLAS STATE 048531 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC PREL IS SUBJECT: LETTER OF CONGRATULATIONS FROM PRESIDENT OBAMA TO ICELAND PRIME MINISTER JOHANNA SIGURDARDOTTIR ¶1. Please deliver the following message from President Obama to Iceland's Prime Minister. The WHITE House does not plan to release the text of the message but has no objection if the Government of Iceland wishes to do so. There will be no signed original. ¶2. BEGIN TEXT: Dear Madam Prime Minister: Please accept my congratulations on the renewal of your mandate as Prime Minister and your party's success in Iceland's recent elections. I look forward to working with you closely. The United States greatly values its strong relationship with the government and people of Iceland, which is based on our common democratic values and our commitments as allies. I remain dedicated to ensuring these ties become even firmer. The United States and Iceland have worked together on numerous initiatives over the past decades, including on disarmament and promoting respect for human rights. Among new challenges, we must work together to ensure success in addressing the global economic crisis and in meeting new demands posed by the transformation in the Arctic. I wish you and your government every success as you serve your nation during a period of great challenges and even greater opportunities. You can count on my friendship and that of the American people. Sincerely, Barack Obama END TEXT. CLINTON