THE Russian government has paid public tribute to the "true humanism" of Irish people in helping Russian children affected by the world's worst nuclear disaster in Chernobyl.
The tribute was made in a letter sent by the Russian ambassador to Ireland, Mr Nikolai Kozyrev, to the director of the Cork based project, Ms Adi Roche. It was written at the request of the Minister for Civil Defence and Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation, Mr S.K. Shoigue.
The letter was delivered to Ms Roche yesterday at a farewell party for the children who have been staying with Irish families in the Dublin area.
It conveyed Mr Shoigue's gratitude for the project's "arduous work related to the organisation of aid to the children who suffered as a result of one of the gravest peace time disasters the Chernobyl accident".
The people of Russia "highly appreciate the unselfishness and true humanism of the project's participants, medical personnel and ordinary Irish people, who have shown care for the affected children, as well those who contribute to the implementation of this noble and human loving action", it said.
The project welcomed the letter and said that all those involved in assisting the children "will be heartened by the official recognition of their hard work".
The Chernobyl Children's Project has delivered over £6 million worth of aid to Betarus and western Russia. This summer, it brought 1,200 children to its centres in Ireland, the UK and Boston for rest and recuperation.