On behalf of chess community, FIDE would like to extend the heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the people of Japan and Ecuador over the series of deadly earthquakes. The whole world was deeply saddened to hear the news of the victims and the injured in the earthquakes and the massive destruction that it has caused. In these difficult moments our thoughts are with everyone and all of those affected by this powerful disaster.

Kirsan Ilyumzhinov
FIDE President