US embassy cable - 01ABUJA2286

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