More world leaders offer sympathy over earthquake in China

Source: Xinhua | 05-14-2008 21:24

BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) -- More world leaders and officials have offered their sympathies for the victims of a devastating earthquake which hit China's southwestern province of Sichuan on Monday.

Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez on Tuesday sent a letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao, expressing sincere sympathies and deep condolences over the huge loss of life and devastation wrought by the quake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale.

Voicing the belief that the Chinese people will overcome the suffering and difficulties, he said Costa Rica is ready to provide aid for the rebuilding of the stricken areas.

Mozambican President Armando Emilio Guebuza, in a letter to Hu, expressed condolences for the victims and offered sympathies for the bereaved families. Guebuza also paid tribute to the Chinese leadership for their swift relief efforts in the wake of the quake.

Somalian President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed, in a message to President Hu, expressed his sincere sympathies for the victims' families and said he felt sorrow in particular for the schoolchildren killed in the quake.

Cote d'Ivoire first lady Simone Gbagbo and Defense Minister Michel Amani, in separate phone calls to the Chinese ambassador to Cote d'Ivoire, sent their sympathies to the victims' families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Guinean Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate, accompanied by eight of his cabinet members, visited the Chinese embassy to offer their sympathies for the quake's victims.

On behalf of Guinean President Lansana Conte, government and its people, Kouyate expressed his sincere condolences to President Hu, Premier Wen Jiabao and the victims' families for the huge loss of life in the quake.

Kouyate expressed the belief that the Chinese people will overcome the present difficulties brought about by the quake.

Bulgarian Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivailo Karfin sent a message Tuesday to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, offering sympathy over the quake.

Bulgarian Parliament Speaker Georgi Pirinski also sent a message to Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, offering his deep sympathies for the victims' families and expressing the belief that China will quickly recover from the huge disaster.

Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus on Tuesday sent sympathy to China and voiced the Lithuanian people's solidarity with the Chinese people "in these difficult times."

Estonian President Toomas Ilves on Tuesday expressed condolences for the victims and sympathy for the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Emergencies Volodymyr Shandra announced on Tuesday Kiev would send a 102-member mobile hospital to the quake-hit areas in China.

Ukraine was also ready to send search and rescue personnel to China if necessary, Shandra said.

The French Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that France is ready to provide all possible assistance for China in its rescue efforts.

It said France is now ready to send rescue workers and materials, especially rescue professionals, to China.

Editor:Xiong Qu