Cablegate: Nigeria: Condolence Letter From President Obasanjo

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ABUJA 002286

SIPDIS

NSC FOR JFICKLIN, JFRAZER
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OPDC NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: CONDOLENCE LETTER FROM PRESIDENT OBASANJO
TO PRESIDENT BUSH

1. (U) On 12 September, just after midnight, the Embassy
received the following letter of condolence from President
Obasanjo to President Bush. The signed original has been
pouched to AF/W, a copy faxed to the Department.

Begin text:

12 September 2001

Dear President,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to
Your Excellency and through you to the Government and people
of the United States of America, our heartfelt condolences on
the sadistic terrorist attack on your people.

This terrorist attack is callous, dastardly and must be
condemned by all peace-loving people the world over. The
perpetrators of this heinous crime that has resulted in huge
loss of lives and property must not go unpunished. Terrorism
and terrorists must never be given comfort. The spirit of
democracy must never be downcast but must be buoyed up and
made unconquerable.

Our sympathy and prayers also go to the families of those who
have lost their beloved ones in this attack.

Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest
consideration.

Yours sincerely,

/sgd/

Olusegun Obasanjo

2. (U) Although the GON had not released the text of this
message as of 2100 last night, it was announced on the
nightly news that President Obasanjo had sent condolences to
POTUS.

3. (U) Embassy has received numerous condolence calls from
host country officials and resident diplomats.
Andrews

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