Recently I was writing about the frustration of the Chernobyl
Children's Project, based in Cork, which was doing so much to help the stricken children of radiation blighted Belarus. The group, found officialdom blocking distribution of aid.
After delays, volunteers got aid through. As the aid was being given to those in need, 1,500 Belarussian children were on holiday in
Ireland.
The First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs in Belarus, Mr
Sergei Martynov, has written to Ms Roche, offering his country's appreciation. "The activities of the Irish non-governmental group -
Chernobyl Children's Project - responsible for carrying out a long-term aid programme both of local assistance and recreation and medical treatment of many children from Belarus in Ireland, is well known in the Republic of Belarus . . . We appreciate very much the fact that the supplies have been donated by ordinary Irish citizens who have over the years shown their sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the tragic accident at Chernobyl.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your work and assure you that your humanitarian project is highly appreciated by the Belarussian government and people, and is considered to be a significant mark of friendship between the people of Ireland and
Belarus," the letter said.