VZCZCXYZ0009
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2997 3541807
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 191800Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY TUNIS IMMEDIATE 1568

UNCLAS STATE 132997 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL TS
SUBJECT: FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM A/S DAVID WELCH TO TUNISIAN 
FM ABDELWAHAB ABDALLAH 
 
 ¶1.  Please deliver the following message from NEA Assistant 
Secretary David Welch to Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs 
Abdelwahab Abdallah at an appropriate time.  The State 
Department does not plan to release the text of the message 
but has no objection if the Government of Tunisia wishes to 
do so.  There will be no signed original. 
 
¶2.  Begin text: 
 
Dear Mr. Minister: 
 
After a long and rewarding career with the Foreign Service, I 
will retire from the U.S. government on December 19.  It has 
been a pleasure to work with you to advance our mutual 
interests. 
 
I have greatly appreciated your engagement on regional 
issues, including Tunisia,s support for a two-state solution 
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  Tunisia,s active 
participation in the international community, support for 
educational initiatives and women,s rights, and dedication 
to counterterrorism are noteworthy. 
 
It is my sincere hope that you, your family, and the people 
of Tunisia experience health, happiness, and prosperity, now 
and in the years ahead. 
 
Count on me as a friend always. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
David Welch 
 
 
 
END TEXT. 
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