The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Brazil, Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva, with respect to the accident suffered by the Air France flight.

Following is the text of the message:

"Mister President and Dear Friend,

It was with deep regret that I was faced with the news of the accident suffered by the Air France flight, with dozens of Brazilian citizens on board.

In this difficult hour for all the people of Brazil, I wish to address Your Excellency and the afflicted families, on behalf of the People of Portugal and in my own personal name, our feelings of deepest solidarity.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"