The Hindu : National : Kalam cancels New Year celebrations

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 29, 2004

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National

Kalam cancels New Year celebrations

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 28 . The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, has cancelled the New Year celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives and many others who were left homeless by Sunday's tsunami.

Unlike in the previous years, the President will not receive any visitors at Rashtrapati Bhavan to exchange greetings on January 1, 2005.

In his message to the heads of the affected countries, Mr. Kalam has condoled the loss of life. He extended sympathies to the families who had lost their near and dear ones and expressed India's willingness to provide any assistance required.

The condolence letters were addressed to the Sri Lankan President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, the Maldivian President, Mamoon Abdul Qayoom, the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, the President of Bangladesh, Prof. Iajuddin Ahmed, the King of Malaysia, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Almarhum Tuanku Syed Jamalullail Yang di-Pertuan Agong XII, and the chairperson of the State Peace and Development Council of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe.

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