Norway offers help to RI victims

INDONESIA: Norway sent its heartfelt condolences to Indonesia and its President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and to the victims of Sunday's terrible disaster, which killed several thousand people in Aceh and North Sumatra provinces in Indonesia, the Norwegian Embassy said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post on Monday.

"On behalf of myself and the Norwegian people, I send you my heartfelt condolences and ask you to convey my deepest sympathy to the bereaved and to others afflicted by the disaster," Norwegian King Harald R said in a letter sent to President Susilo.

In a separate letter to President Susilo, Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik offered assistance to the Indonesian government.

An earthquake wreaked havoc, followed by a massive tsunami that pounded dozens of towns and villages in Indonesia and other countries. -- JP