(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-05-22 07:19

Foreign leaders have been continuing to express their condolences to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda yesterday visited the Chinese embassy in Tokyo to pay his respects.

"The earthquake has inflicted enormous human casualties and Japan expresses its heartfelt condolences and deep sorrow to the Chinese people," Fukuda told Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

"We are ready to offer assistance of any sort," he said.

Cui said China is thankful for Japan's sympathy and support, and that the outstanding efforts of the Japanese relief team have been applauded by Chinese people.

On Tuesday in New York, members of the UN Security Council observed a minute's silence, and council members expressed their condolences.

"I am confident that with the concerted efforts of the Chinese government and people, and the support of Security Council members and other countries, as well as international organizations, China will prevail," Wang Guangya, China's permanent representative to the UN, said.

Also on Tuesday, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown observed a minute's silence at the Chinese embassy in London.

He also sent his condolences to the Chinese people and praised the efforts of President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang expressed his gratitude for the global display of sympathy.

Xinhua - China Daily

(China Daily 05/22/2008 page4)