The message reads, in part:
"Russian science has suffered an irreparable loss, the death of a great physicist, Dr Vitaly L. Ginzburg, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and a Nobel Prize winner.
"His name marks a whole era in the history of physics - a time of great discoveries and breakthroughs which determined the development of fundamental physics and modern applied sciences for years to come.
"We are paying tribute to a man of outstanding personality, whose brilliant talent, exceptional strength of character and convictions will always arouse respect of his colleagues, disciples and followers."