Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Indian President Abdul Kalam, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Thai King Adunyadet Phumiphon, Thai Prime Minister Chinnawat Thaksin and Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga in connection with the disastrous natural calamity that struck states of South and South East Asia and that entailed numerous human victims and serious material damage to countries in the region.

Incidentally, Russia is ready to render aid to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, which suffered from the earthquake and the tsunami, Tass learnt from adviser to the Russian Minister for Emergencies on public relations Viktor Beltsov. According to the adviser, the Sri Lankan leadership already requested Russia to render aid.

He also said that official of the international relations dep

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artment of the Russian Ministry for Emergencies Vladimir Boreiko who is also an expert of the UNDAC group (UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination), departs for Jakarta.

Russia plans to sent, over the next few days, two Il-76 transport planes with tents and other necessary goods as well as rescuers of the Ministry for Emergencies to the South Eastern Asian region, stricken by elements of nature.

MOSCOW, December 26 (Itar-Tass)