More international aid offered to quake-hit China

Source: Xinhua | 05-27-2008 13:29

BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The international community continues to offer aid and donations to China following the deadly earthquake in the country's southwestern Sichuan province.

The Norwegian Red Cross, which has already donated 1 million U.S. dollars, sent 1,115 tents Monday to China's quake-ravaged regions, the Norwegian news agency NTB reported.

Trygve G. Nordby, secretary general of the Norwegian Red Cross, expressed his hope that the tents would provide temporary accommodation for families affected by the earthquake in the next two to three years.

The Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), Spain's second-largest bank, donated 1 million dollars to the Chinese government for its relief efforts and reconstruction in regions hit by the earthquake.

BBVA President Francisco Gonzalez, who offered the donation at the Chinese embassy, said he hopes that the money would help children in quake-affected regions return to school.

Chinese communities in Portugal have donated more than 2.2 million yuan (about 300,000 dollars) up to Sunday, according to the Chinese embassy to Portugal.

Chinese living in Russia have donated more than 660,000 dollars, according to Li Huilai, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy to Russia.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament (EP), which passed a resolution last Thursday expressing condolences for the quake victims, applauded the Chinese government's outstanding performance in its relief efforts.

At a meeting with Qiu Xiaoqi, Chinese ambassador to Spain, EP Vice President Miguel Angel Martinez Martinez expressed his belief that the Chinese people would overcome difficulties and continue their country's development.

Up to Monday afternoon, more than 65,000 people had been confirmed dead in the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that rocked Sichuan province on May 12. Over 360,000 people have been injured and 23,150 people are still listed missing.

Editor:Xiong Qu