Following is the full text:

"Esteemed Mr. President, people in Russia have received with deep sorrow news of the tragic deaths of the crew of the space shuttle Columbia.

"Russia has responded with deep compassion to the tragedy that came down on your country. We well understand what grief has come to the families of the dead astronauts. These courageous people gave their lives exploring the dangerous element of space, in the name of peace, science and the progress of civilization. We will always remember them.

"I ask you at this difficult and sorrowful hour to convey to the entire friendly American people, primarily the relatives and loved ones of the dead, my words of sympathy and support.

"V. Putin, Moscow"


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© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

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