Int'l community offers condolences over China earthquake

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Many countries and international organizations have extended their condolences in the wake of Saturday's deadly earthquake in southwest China's Sichuan province, which has killed 184 people.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Saturday sent a message of condolences to the government and people of China.

"I was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the earthquake which has struck Sichuan province," said Barroso.

"I would like to express on my behalf and of the European Commission our heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of China. Our thoughts and feelings are with everyone who has been affected by the devastating disaster."

Wu Hongbo, UN under-secretary-general for economic and social affairs, on Saturday extended his "deep condolences" to the victims of the earthquake.

"On behalf of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, I wish to extend my deep concerns to the victims of the earthquake and my heartfelt sympathies to the families who have lost their dearest ones," Wu said.

French President Francois Hollande expressed solidarity to the Chinese people and the government on Saturday.

"France salutes the courage and mobilization showed by all those presented on the ground to provide relief to affected populations," the French president said in a statement.

The president's office said Hollande will take the opportunity of his visit to Beijing next week to renew his condolences.

Meanwhile, the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement that France shares the grief of the Chinese people and is ready to offer help.

The German government sent condolences to China on Saturday and offered assistance in rescue work.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said her sympathy goes to the victims and their families, and offered help in search for the missing and care of the needy.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also sent condolences and offered assistance.

"Germany is ready to provide assistance if the Chinese government should want that," said Westerwelle in a statement.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday that the United States stands ready to support international response to the disaster.

Kerry said in a statement that he joined the American people in expressing their sincere condolences for the loss of life and devastation wrought by the earthquake in Sichuan.

"To those affected by this tragedy and to all the people of China, we send our heartfelt sympathies," Kerry added.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Saturday he was saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the quake, saying the events bring back terrible memories of the catastrophic earthquake in the same province in 2008.

He also offered his condolences to those who have lost loved ones and to all Chinese citizens affected.

Meanwhile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica also conveyed condolences to China over the quake in various forms.

The 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit Lushan county of Ya'an city in China's southwestern Sichuan province at 8:02 a.m. Beijing time (0402 GMT). At least 184 people have been killed, 24 others remained missing and over 11,800 were injured.