SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY SADDENED BY LOSS OF LIFE, DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY EARTHQUAKE

IN CHINA, SAYS UNITED NATIONS READY TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT IN HUMANITARIAN EFFORT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction of property suffered by the people of Sichuan Province in China in the devastating earthquake that struck the area today.  He extends his deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the earthquake.

The United Nations stands ready to support the Government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster.

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For information media • not an official record