Sunday, May 04, 2014
Kabul (BNA) In separate messages, India, Iran, Pakistan and US on Saturday conveyed their condolences to President Hamid Karzai over the loss of lives caused by a massive landslide in the northeastern province of Badakhshan.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “I’m deeply shocked by the devastating natural disaster that has struck Badakhshan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this hour of pain and sorrow.”
In a statement, Singh offered India’s assistance in relief and rehabilitation efforts.
“India stands ready to provide whatever assistance and support that we can for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham expressed grief over the incident and expressed condolences to the Afghan government, people and bereaved families.
Quoting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sharif offered his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the well-being of the missing.
“The prime minister has reassured the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Afghan brethren as they brave this tragic natural disaster,” he added.
Separately, the US President Barack Obama offered his condolences to the victims of northern Badakhshan landslides that killed more than 2,500 people. “On behalf of the American people, our thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan, who have experienced an awful tragedy,” Obama said, quoted by the US Embassy in Kabul on its Twitter page. “Even as our war there comes to an end this year, our commitment to Afghanistan and its people will endure.” he said. “We stand ready to help our Afghan partners as they respond to this disaster.”
This tragic calamity has attracted the attention of many worldwide, sending their sympathies to the thousands killed in Badakhshan.
