Merkel Condoles Ahmadinejad Over Iran Quake

Berlin, Aug 15, IRNA -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel here Tuesday sent a message of condolence to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on the tragic quake in northwestern Iran. Merkel expressed 'great dismay' over Saturday's devastating twin quakes in Ahar and Varezeqan which killed hundreds and injured thousands more. She voiced her 'deep sympathies' with the victims and their families as well as those affected by the quake. On Sunday, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle had already offered his condolences to the Iranian government and its people on the quake. In his message for his Iranian counterpart Ali Akbar Salehi, Germany's chief diplomat voiced shock over the quake, while expressing his deep sympathies for the victims who lost their loved ones and all their belongings during the holy month of Ramadan. He wished a speedy and complete recovery for all those injured in the quake. Westerwelle stressed his country stands ready to provide aid to the quake-hit areas, if requested by Iran./end