Japan

Messrs. International Succulent Institute Japan

To. Editorial office

Att: Mr. H. Kobayashi

Kamiuma 5-chome, Setagaya-ku

154-0011 Tokyo, Japan

Dear Sirs,

We are saddened by this tragedy aroused by earthquake on March 11 in Japan. It is hard to watch that so many lives have been lost and lot of people are still fearful, hungry, thirsty, and without  shelter, and still have much to go through.

Every day on TV we are looking the tragic remains of the Japanese coastal towns devastated by the  tsunami. This disaster and its impact on the local Japanese people has emotionally touched us a lot.  Japanes are hard working, intelligent, honorable and giving people. We are wistful that this tragedy  continues and that the Japanese people suffer into the indefinite future from the pain they have  already experienced.

We are really touched and impressed by the heroic deeds of the extremely brave workers, pilots and  fire-fighters who are risking their lives to contain the nuclear crises, to save their people and people  of the world. I hope they come out of this horrific ordeal unscathed.

Serbian Cacti Society is small group of enthusiasts loving cacti and other succulent plants striving to  expand and improve this hobby, raising the cultural attitude towards nature and a positive and  responsible approach to natural and social environment. We show our collection to public and cooperate with organizations abroad which have goals similar to ours. We have lot of plants here from Japan. Unfortunately we do not have direct contacts with your cacti organisations and your cacti  lovers. Maybe there will be occasions in future for your cacti enthusiasts to come and visit us and our  collections.

Japan is a great ally of our country. We are grateful to Japan for their support to Serbia in the some  disaster management and development sectors. So, this is an opportunity to show our gratefulness to  the Japanese through minimum support in this crisis moment.

Though there is nothing we can say to ease the heartbreak you have experienced you should know  that at this moment people of Serbia feel deep condolence and consolation to the people of Japan.  I know that words are not enough, but in big events we do not only need medicine or food ... etc., but also kind words from our friends to sustain us and make us feel we are not alone. Through your own efforts and as much help as can be given, we all know you will make it through  this tragedy with your heads held high. Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by  how we react to what happens.

Since we do not have direct contacts with your cacti organisations please proceed this letter of  support of Serbian people to all your cacti lovers and organizations and wish them all luck and to be soon with their plants.

President  of Serbian Cacti Society

Stevan  Avramov

In  Belgrade  March  29.  2011.