World leaders send condolences to earthquake victims

Source: CCTV.com | 05-14-2008 09:06

Foreign countries and organizations have offered their condolences to China after Monday's earthquake. They also conveyed messages of support for China's relief efforts.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda offered his sympathies to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, saying that he hoped those affected in Sichuan could soon get on with their lives and rebuild their homes.

US President George W. Bush extended his condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims. He said the United States stands ready to help in any way possible.

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said they were sure that resilient Chinese people would recover from the disaster in the shortest possible time. They said Pakistan will spare no effort to support the Chinese people.

Italian President George Napolitano and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said China and Italy share a long friendship. They said Italian people stand united with Chinese people at this time of grief and that Italy is willing to provide their help and support for relief work.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon expressed the hope that, under the strong leadership of the Chinese government, those affected by the quake will reconstruct their homes soon and he said Mexico is ready to offer a hand.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy sent a message to Chinese President Hu Jintao to express his condolences over the quake. Sarkozy expressed his confidence in China's ability to cope with the disaster.

King Abdullah the Second of Jordan expressed sadness and sympathy for the victims and their families. He wished for the Chinese people to pull through the crisis.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sent his condolences for the heavy loss of life and property in the earthquake.

Polish President Lech Kaczynski sent condolences on behalf of all of Poland to the victims of the quake and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and German Prime Minister Angela Merkel also extended their condolences to China over the quake.

Editor:Zhang Ning