(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-05-14 08:41

KIEV - Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko on Tuesday sent a message of deep condolence to Chinese President Hu Jintao over a disastrous earthquake in China's Sichuan province.

"Accept my sincere and profound condolences in connection with the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province," Yushchenko said in the message.

Yushchenko asked the Chinese leader to convey his words of solace to the relatives and friends of those who were killed in the quake.

"We are ready to provide necessary assistance to the relief efforts in China," said the message.

Meanwhile, Yushchenko ordered the government to deal with the provision of humanitarian assistance issues.  

A 7.8-magnitude quake rocked Wenchuan Country, 159 kilometers northwest of the southwest Sichuan province's capital of Chengdu, on Monday, killing thousands of people in eight affected provinces.