Cablegate: Letter of Condolences From President Tandja

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DE RUEHNM #0631 2441344
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R 011344Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY
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UNCLAS NIAMEY 000631

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV NG
SUBJECT: LETTER OF CONDOLENCES FROM PRESIDENT TANDJA

1. Following is the text of a condolences letter from Government of
Niger President Mamadou Tandja. The letter was received at Embassy
Niamey on September 1, 2009. We will forward the original
French-language letter together with English translation to the
White House via diplomatic pouch.

2. Begin text.

President of the Republic of Niger

Niamey, August 31, 2009

Letter No. 000058/PRN

Mr. President:

It is with consternation that we learned on August 25, 2009, of the
death of Massachusetts' Senator Ted Kennedy, a keen activist for the
civil rights and continued improvement of the Americans'
well-being.

On that painful occasion, I would like to present to you Mr.
President, to the family of the renowned deceased, and to the
American people as a whole, my sincere condolences and those of the
Nigerien people, as well as our compassion and solidarity.

Besides the remarkable personality of the deceased Senator, the name
KENNEDY itself is engraved in the Nigeriens' memory, as it is
associated with the Niger-American friendship and cooperation,
illustrated by the construction of the very first bridge on the
Niger River in Niamey.

As I renew to you my compassion, please accept, Mr. President, the
assurances of my high consideration. /

/s/ MAMADOU TANDJA
President

His Excellency
Mr. BARACK OBAMA
President of the United States of America,

WASHINGTON, D.C.

End text.

Allen

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