Cablegate: Farewell Message From a/S Welch to Tunisian

VZCZCXYZ0008
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2961 3541723
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191716Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY TUNIS IMMEDIATE 1559

UNCLAS STATE 132961

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL TS
SUBJECT: FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM A/S WELCH TO TUNISIAN
PRESIDENT BEN ALI

1. Please deliver the following message from NEA Assistant
Secretary David Welch to Tunisian President Zine El Abidine
Ben Ali at an appropriate time. The State Department does
not plan to release the text of the message but has no
objection if the Government of Tunisia wishes to do so. There
will be no signed original.

2. Begin text:

Dear Mr. President:

After a long and rewarding career with the Foreign Service, I
will retire from the U.S. government on December 19. It has
been a pleasure to work with you, sir.

I was honored by your hospitality during Secretary Rice,s
visit to Tunis this year. Tunisia is one of the oldest
friends of the United States, and has proven its graciousness
and commitment to this mutual friendship between our two
governments and peoples. I have greatly appreciated your
views and support on regional issues, including Tunisia,s
participation in the Middle East Peace Process and support
for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

It is my sincere hope that you and the people of Tunisia
experience health, happiness, and prosperity, now and in the
years ahead.

With respect,
Sincerely,
David Welch

END TEXT.
RICE

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