CAIRO SPEECH -- THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE

UNCLAS STATE 064616 FOR CHIEFS OF MISSION, PRINCIPAL OFFICERS, AND PD OFFICERS FROM UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS JUDITH MCHALE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO SUBJECT: CAIRO SPEECH -- THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE REF: STATE 55334 ¶1. I would like to thank you for the unprecedented public diplomacy support Missions provided for President Obama's June 4 speech to Muslim communities around the globe. The creativity and effectiveness of post activities on this historic occasion was remarkable. ¶2. Department public diplomacy support for the speech - in Washington and at your Missions - set a new paradigm for a simultaneous public diplomacy campaign with global reach. The President's remarks were translated into 14 languages, posted on Washington and Embassy-based websites in text and video, live-streamed, blogged and twittered, transmitted by text message to mobile phones in more than 170 countries, and discussed on on-line social networks. ¶3. Just as important as this new media effort was the extensive person-to-person outreach you conducted in the field. Staff at more than 100 Embassies and Consulates hosted gatherings to watch the speech, held post-speech public debates and discussions, conducted thousands of media interviews, and visited universities, mosques, and madrassas - - putting a live face and human touch on the President's promise of a New Beginning. Some of the most creative activities took place in countries with relatively small Muslim minorities. The White House was so impressed with the variety and quality of post-initiated activities that it mentioned a number in its press release on June 6. You can see it at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Pr esident-Obamas- Speech-to-Muslim-Commmunities-around-the-Worl d-Summary-of- Reactions/ . ¶4. In short, this was a model of smart diplomacy. Washington and the field worked as one, merging the latest high-tech with the traditional high-touch. Of course, the President's speech marked only a New Beginning, and a great deal of hard work lies ahead as we seek to realize the President's vision. But I think it is appropriate to pause for a moment and congratulate all who supported this effort on June 4. Thanks for a job well done. ¶5. Minimize considered. CLINTON