China continues to receive messages of support over mudslides

China has continued to receive messages of sympathy and support from international leaders over the deadly landslides in the northwest of the country.

As of Tuesday, the disaster in Zhouqu County of China's Gansu Province on Aug. 8 has killed 1,254 people, with 490 still missing. Extensive rescue and relief efforts are continuing.

On behalf of the Cambodian people, Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni delivered his heartfelt condolences to the Chinese people and wished the reconstruction in the mudslides-stricken areas a success.

While offering their heartfelt condolences, Lao President Choummaly Sayasone and Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh expressed confidence the people affected would return to a normal life as soon as possible.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa sent wholehearted condolences to the Chinese government and people, voicing hope and belief the Chinese government and people would overcome difficulties and help the disaster-hit area return to normalcy as early as possible.

Japanese Emperor Akihito communicated his deep sympathy to China, hoping the people affected would rebuild their homes as early as possible.

Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and Cuban leader Raul Castro also conveyed their condolences to the Chinese people on behalf of their governments and peoples, respectively.

On behalf of his government and people, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan voiced his deep sympathy and support to the Chinese government and people.

Such sentiments also came from Georgian Prime Minister Nika Gilauri, who expressed his hope the disaster-hit area would return to normalcy soon.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands sent her profound regret and sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the natural disaster.

Delivering his deep sympathy and condolences to the Chinese people, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he believed the people affected could rebuild their homes soon.

Others to offer their sympathy included Belorussian President Alexander Lukashenko, Spain's King Juan Carlos, Swiss President Doris Leuthard, Croatian President Ivo Josipovic, Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, Greek Prime Minister Giorgos Papandreou and the Colombian government.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso commended the Chinese government for its speedy and highly efficient rescue and relief operations, saying the European Commission would firmly support the Chinese government in its reconstruction.

The latest condolences add to earlier messages, including from the United Nations, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Mexico, Russia, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Oman, Jordan and Myanmar.

Source: Xinhua