US embassy cable - 04ABUDHABI4008

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AMBASSADOR PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO UAE's NEW FIRST LADY

Identifier: 04ABUDHABI4008
Wikileaks: View 04ABUDHABI4008 at Wikileaks.org
Origin: Embassy Abu Dhabi
Created: 2004-11-08 12:58:00
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Tags: PINR KWMN PGOV TC
Redacted: This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.
null
Diana T Fritz  02/05/2007 04:45:47 PM  From  DB/Inbox:  Search Results

Cable 
Text:                                                                      
                                                                           
      
C O N F I D E N T I A L        ABU DHABI 04008

SIPDIS
CXABU:
    ACTION: POL
    INFO:   PAO RSO P/M ECON AMB DCM MEPI

DISSEMINATION: POL
CHARGE: PROG

APPROVED: AMB:MSISON
DRAFTED: POL:SOSTROV
CLEARED: DCM:RALBRIGHT POL:JMAYBURY

VZCZCADI067
OO RUEHC RUEHDE
DE RUEHAD #4008 3131258
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 081258Z NOV 04
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6691
INFO RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 4465
C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 004008 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR INR/B AND NEA/ARPI 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/14 
TAGS: PINR, KWMN, PGOV, TC 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO UAE's NEW 
FIRST LADY 
 
Ref: Abu Dhabi 3527 
 
(U) Classified by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 
(b) and (d). 
 
1. (U) On 7 November, the Ambassador paid a condolence 
visit to the UAE's new First Lady, Sheikha Shamsa bint 
Suhail Mazrouie.  After expressing heartfelt sorrow on 
behalf of the American people for the death of Sheikh 
Zayed, the Ambassador had an opportunity to speak with UAE 
President Sheikh Khalifa's mother, Sheikha Hessa bint 
Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the only one of Sheikh 
Zayed's wives who was also an Al Nahyan.  The visit took 
place at the home of Khalifa's oldest son, Sultan.  The 
visit also allowed the Ambassador to meet with Khalifa's 
oldest daughter, Sheikha Aysha, and daughter-in-law, 
Sheikha Sheikha (Sultan's wife). 
 
2. (U) Despite her age, which appeared to be about 75, 
President Khalifa's mother, Sheikha Hessa received her 
visitors gracefully.  She sat in a wheelchair but was able 
to stand to receive her guests.  Sheikha Hessa told the 
Ambassador that was shocked by the news of Sheikh Zayed's 
death because she had been told that he was doing fine, 
even very recently.  First Lady Sheikha Shamsa appeared to 
be in her early fifties, and was energetic and warm and 
thanked the Ambassador sincerely for her visit and 
expression of condolences.  She said she hoped to see the 
Ambassador often during happier occasions.  She understands 
English, but like many is hesitant to speak it. 
 
Comment: 
------- 
 
3. (C) The UAE's new First Lady, Sheikha Shamsa, will have 
big shoes to fill.  As noted reftel, Sheikh Zayed's 
favorite wife, former First Lady Sheikha Fatima bint 
Mubarak, was an important behind-the-scenes power broker 
and a popular and generous personality.  We do not expect 
her role to diminish.  However, Sheikha Shamsa appeared 
confident and gregarious in her meeting with the 
Ambassador, and we will closely track her evolution on the 
UAE public stage, even if it is also somewhat behind-the- 
scenes. 
SISON 

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