Cablegate: Suggested Text for High-Level Condolence Letter On
VZCZCXYZ0018
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHAK #6302 3101541
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 061541Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY ANKARA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9832
INFO RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS ANKARA 006302
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL TU
SUBJECT: SUGGESTED TEXT FOR HIGH-LEVEL CONDOLENCE LETTER ON
DEATH OF FORMER PM BULENT ECEVIT
1. (U) This is an ACTION request. Post recommends a
high-level (preferably presidential) condolence letter be
delivered to Mrs. Rahsan Ecevit on the November 5 death of
her husband, former Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit. Ecevit served
as Turkey's prime minister four times between 1972 and 2002,
and met with President Bush at the White House in 2002. The
family has not yet announced details regarding the funeral.
Suggested text follows in para 2.
2. (U) Begin text:
"Dear Mrs. Ecevit:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your husband. Mr.
Ecevit dedicated most of his life to defending a secular,
democratic Turkey. He was a devoted patriot and a
distinquished statesman who was respected throughout the
world. I feel privileged to have met with him personally.
Please accept my deep condolences.
Sincerely, "
End text.
Visit Ankara's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/ankara/
WILSON