US embassy cable - 04SANTODOMINGO2601

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 002601 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA, WHA/CAR AND PM;NSC FOR SHANNON AND MADISON 
LABOR FOR ILAB; TREASURY FOR OASIA-LAMONICA 
USDOC FOR 4322/ITA/MAC/WH/CARIBBEAN BASIN DIVISION 
USDOC FOR 3134/ITA/USFCS/RD/WH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: DR, MARR, MOPS, OPDC, PREL 
SUBJECT: DOMINICAN SECRETARY FOR ARMED FORCES SENDS EMBASSY 
OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF TROOP PULLOUT IN IRAQ 
 
1.  On April 28, Embassy received official correspondence 
from Secretary of Armed Forces, Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez, 
stating the Dominican Republic's intention to remove their 
troops from Iraq.  His letter is dated April 20 but was 
almost certainly written on April 26 or April 27. 
 
2. An image of the original is available on our SIPRNET site, 
linked to the article    "DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: PRES. MEJIA 
EXPLAINS TROOP PULLOUT FROM IRAQ." 
 
3.Following is an unofficial translation. 
 
(Begin Translation) 
 
Your Excellency, Mr. Ambassador: 
 
This Ministry warmly salutes your Embassy, and takes 
advantage of this occasion to inform you that the Dominican 
government has made the firm decision to remove, as quickly 
as possible, our soldiers from the state of Iraq.  They have 
been there since August 2003 as part of the coalition for 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, led by your prestigious country, 
with the praiseworthy mission of liberating and creating the 
proper conditions for the advancement of that grand society 
of Iraq.  We have issued directives in keeping with this 
determination. 
 
The Dominican Armed Forces take advantage of the opportunity 
to reiterate its support to the United States government in 
its war against terrorism and in its quest for world peace, 
at the same time reiterating our high sentiments of 
consideration and esteem. 
 
(signed) 
Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez 
 
(End translation) 
HERTELL