On hearing about the accident in a Russian coal mine, Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle sent a letter of condolence to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov today (11 May).

The letter reads as follows:

“I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the terrible accident in Russia’s largest coal mine, in the Kemerovo region, that has left dozens of miners dead, injured or trapped.

Allow me to extend my sincere condolences to you, your Government and the Russian people. At this difficult time our thoughts and sympathy are with all those who have lost friends and loved ones. My fellow Germans share your hope that those still trapped can be rescued unharmed.”