We follow with sadness the news that many people lost their lives and there are many others still trapped underground after the mining accidents which occurred in the Severnaya coal mine located in the Komi Republic, in the northern part of the Russian Federation.

We convey our condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives and to the Russian people, and wish a speedy recovery to the wounded. We hope that the miners and the rescue workers still underground due to the explosions will be rescued safe and sound as soon as possible.