Sturgeon’s lecture on unity for new US leader
The content of a letter written by Nicola Sturgeon to Donald Trump advising him to seek to ‘unify your country’ was published last night.
The message reveals the First Minister’s congratulatory words to the President-elect.
Miss Sturgeon told Mr Trump she was aware of how ‘divisive’ the US election had been and said she ‘was therefore encouraged to hear you pledge to be a president for all of America’.
She also took time to wish Mr Trump success and remind him that Scotland played a key role in the transformation of the US into a superpower.
her words come only days after the SNP leader said she found many of Mr Trump’s campaign comments ‘deeply abhorrent’.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Miss Sturgeon had vowed ‘not to maintain a diplomatic silence’ in the face of racism or intolerance.
She had made clear her support for hillary Clinton and will also write to defeated Democrat, praising her candidacy.
In her letter to the Presidentelect, Miss Sturgeon said: ‘I am writing to convey my congratulations on your election as the 45th President of the United States of America.
‘As you know from your family ties, the USA was shaped by some of Scotland’s finest
‘I hope ties can be strengthened’
thinkers and many people of Scottish descent contributed to the transformation of your country into the global power it is today.
‘These bonds of family and friendship, and our close economic ties, mean that the USA is one of Scotland’s most valued partners, as well as our most important international export market and source of inward investment.
‘I hope that these ties can be strengthened in the years ahead.’
She added: ‘As you acknowledged in your victory speech, the election campaign was a divisive one. I was therefore encouraged to hear you pledge to be a president for all of America, and to seek to work with others to unify your coun try. Our nations share fundamental values of equality, tolerance, diversity and human rights for all, regardless of race, faith, gender or sexual orientation, and I hope we will see these values flourish during your presidency.
‘On that basis, I wish you success as you prepare to take on the responsibilities of office, and in the years ahead.’
The First Minister, who last year stripped Mr Trump of his role as a business ambassador for Scotland, has faced questions over how her criticism of the President-elect could affect Scotland following his victory.
echoing comments made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, she has said she will engage ‘positively and constructively’ with Mr Trump but will not shy away from ‘standing up’ for the principles of tolerance and diversity.
A spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives said: ‘Regardless of people’s opinion of Mr Trump, he is now the next President of the United States of America, and the Scottish Government therefore need to ensure that the importance of our relationship with our strongest ally is prioritised.’
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