Unicode support in python

[sonald]

Hi,
I am using python2.4.1

I need to pass russian text into python and validate the same.
Can u plz guide me on how to make my existing code support the
russian  text.

Is there any module that can be used for unicode support in python?

Incase of decimal numbers, how to handle "comma as a decimal point"
within a number

Currently the existing code is woking fine for English text
Please help.

Thanks in advance.

regards
sonal