The telegramme reads, in particular:
“I was saddened to hear of the death of the great Italian opera singer, Luciano Pavarotti. It is a great loss not only for Italy but also for world culture.
Russians have always been enamoured with Mr Pavarotti's art and his performances in our country have always met with inevitable success.
I would ask that you transmit Luciano Pavarotti's family and friends my deep condolences and those of millions of Russians who admired his outstanding talent”.