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OAS Secretary General Sends Condolences to Brazil over Nightclub Tragedy

  January 29, 2013

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today sent "heartfelt condolences and deep affection" in his name and that of the organization to the government and people of Brazil over the tragedy that took place in a nightclub in Santa Maria, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

In a letter to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, the leader of the hemispheric organization wrote that "it is not easy to convey a feeling that brings consolation in the face of such a dramatic event like the one your country is experiencing today, but I would like to send you the strength of our solidarity," to help you "maintain the courage that we have seen as you accompany the families who have lost loved ones in their pain."

Secretary General Insulza asks President Rousseff to "convey our sincere concern and deepest sympathy to the parents, children and siblings who are suffering the pain of such irreparable losses, and our wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured."

The letter concludes by reiterating the "full readiness" of the organization "to cooperate with any effort that your government considers appropriate."

For more information, please visit the OAS Website at www.oas.org.

Reference: E-022/13