Statement by Ambassador Barclay on the Death
of Salvadoran Soldier Donal Alberto Ramírez in Iraq
July 27, 2006

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The Ambassador of the United States, H. Douglas Barclay, shares the sorrow of El Salvador over the death of another solider of the Cuscatlán Battalion, Sergeant Donal Alberto Ramírez García, who was killed in Iraq Thursday. 

“It is never easy to face this type of news, especially when we have just suffered the loss of Sergeant Perdomo.

With this new casualty, the government of the United States shares once again the pain caused by the death of Sergeant Ramírez, as he was providing humanitarian aid in Iraq.

I want to say to the family of Sergeant Ramírez that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we wish them strength as they deal with this tragedy.  Also, I express the gratitude of the people of the United States for his sacrifice.  This Salvadoran’s noble sacrifice was for the cause of a freer, more democratic, and stable Iraq.

In addition, we hope for the rapid recovery of Sergeant Pedro Carpio Cortéz, who was wounded in the same attack.

The United States greatly appreciates the continued assistance of the Government of El Salvador in this important effort, reconfirmed today with the approval of the deployment of the seventh contingent of the Cuscatlán Battalion to Iraq.   All countries of the Coalition admire the excellent job the Salvadorans are doing in Iraq.”