SECRETARY-GENERAL SADDENED BY EARTHQUAKE DEATHS IN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

Following is the text of a statement issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened to learn of the massive loss of life and destruction caused by the powerful earthquake that struck the north-western India today.  He offers his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of India.  He notes the valiant efforts of the Government to assist the affected areas, and extends his assurances that the United Nations stands ready to support these efforts in any way that the Government deems appropriate.

The Secretary-General is also deeply saddened at the deaths that took place in Sind Province, Pakistan, as a result of this earthquake.  He extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Pakistan.

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