O 172023Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY GABORONE IMMEDIATE 
INFO AMEMBASSY HARARE IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS STATE 132215 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OPDC PREL ZI BC
SUBJECT: MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY RICE TO PRESIDENT KHAMA 
RECOGNIZING BOTSWANA'S LEADERSHIP ON ZIMBABWE 
 
¶1.  Please deliver the following message from Secretary 
Rice to President Ian Khama as soon as possible.  The 
Department does not plan to release the text of the 
message, but has no objections if the Government of 
Botswana wishes to do so.  There will be no signed 
original. 
 
¶2.  BEGIN TEXT: 
 
Dear Mr. President: 
 
Thank you for your leadership in working to resolve the 
political and humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.  Even 
though the situation in Zimbabwe continues to 
deteriorate, Botswana's steadfast support for the rights 
of the Zimbabwean people and its recent contribution of 
3 million pula for humanitarian relief demonstrate the 
depth of your commitment.  The United States stands with 
Botswana and other partners in support of the Zimbabwean 
people during this critical time. 
 
I applaud your continued efforts in support of democracy 
and human rights in Zimbabwe. 
 
Sincerely, 
Condoleezza Rice 
 
 
END TEXT. 
RICE