The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gül, in view of the victims of the accident occurred in a mine in the Soma region.

Following is the text of the message of condolences from President Cavaco Silva:

“Mister President,

It was with deep regret that I received the news of the tragic accident occurred yesterday in a mine located in the Soma region and of the number of resulting victims. I wish to convey to Your Excellency and to the Turkish people, on behalf of the Portuguese and in my own personal name, our deepest condolences and feelings of utmost solidarity.

In this difficult moment, our thoughts are with all those affected and their families and, particularly, with the many that suffered the pain of human loss, to whom we beg Your Excellency to forward our sincere condolences.

Please accept, Mister President, the expression of my highest regard and personal esteem.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”