Maravi

Levy expresses sorrow over China's earthquake victims

Levy expresses sorrow over China's earthquake victims
By Mutuna Chanda
Thursday May 22, 2008 [04:01]

PRESIDENT Levy Mwanawasa has expressed Zambia’s deep sense of sorrow at the tragic events in China where more than 40,000 people have died in an earthquake. Speaking after signing a book of condolences at the Chinese Embassy in Lusaka yesterday, President Mwanawasa conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families.

“We send our love and sympathy particularly to those who have lost their dear ones. China and Zambia enjoy the best of relations so when a thing like this occurs, it affects not only the people of China but the people of Zambia are also affected,” President Mwanawasa said.

And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin described as a difficult period what China was going through following the earthquake.

However, Ambassador Qiangmin said China was encouraged that eight days after the earthquake occurred some people had been recovered alive.

On Tuesday, two people were recovered alive.
Ambassador Qiangmin said 30,000 to 40,000 people were still missing, 250,000 were injured while around four million were left homeless by the earthquake.

He said the Chinese government mobilised with utmost speed to save people when the earthquake occurred.

Ambassador Qiangmin expressed gratitude for the support that China received from different countries particularly Zambia.

Earlier in a message of condolences signed at the Chinese Embassy, Dr Kenneth Kaunda described the deaths as ‘an extremely sad occasion’.

“We send to that great country; a country of real wonderful friends through the President of China, to all the great people of China our sincere condolences,” stated Dr Kaunda.

“We are grateful you are all standing strong. Please continue to stand together and please continue to mourn in peace.”

The earthquake struck 10 days ago in South West China’s Sichuan province.

Labels: CHINA, MWANAWASA

posted by MrK @ 3:39 AM