President of the Republic sent a letter of condolences to the Russian President Vladimir Putin today in connection with the tragedy of the nuclear-powered submarine ''Kursk'' in the Barents Sea.

''I wish to assure you that Estonia was shocked by the lethal outcome of this tragedy, and that till the very last moment, we shared the hope of Russians, of all those who know the harsh elemental power of the sea,'' President Lennart Meri wrote.

''This tragedy confirmed once more that in today’s world, no nation has to face hardships alone at the time of tribulations. Let this be our guiding star to the future,'' the letter of condolences said.

President Meri asked Vladimir Putin to extend sincere condolences of the people of Estonia to all the relatives and friends of the sailors of the ''Kursk''.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, August 21, 2000

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