The G-8 countries are ready to assist the people of Japan suffering from the aftermath of a disastrous earthquake and tsunami, the emergency situation at several nuclear plant units, large casualties and damage to transport and industrial infrastructure.

“If there is a need for collective measures in handling the aftermath of the quake situation in Japan, the assistance will be granted to Tokyo. That is the position of Russia and other G-8 member states,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the G-8 foreign ministerial conference in Paris on Tuesday.

He expressed his full solidarity with the people of Japan and the readiness to render any assistance required by the Japanese government.

“Some consequences of the earthquake are yet unknown. The [Russian] embassy is monitoring the radiation level together with the Japanese authorities,” he said.

No Russians were hurt in the Japanese events, Lavrov confirmed. Asked by Itar-Tass about the possible evacuation of Russians from Japan, Lavrov said, “Everyone wishing to leave has done that or will do that soon.”

“Geographically, Russia is the closest partner of Japan. We are separated by the distance of only three or four miles,” he said.

“We admire the courage of the Japanese who are resisting the natural calamity. Our rescuers have been working in Japan for several days,” the minister said.