国内英语新闻:Int'l community continues to extend condolences to China over earthquake

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Foreign leaders and heads of international and regional organizations continued to send their condolences to China on Monday and Tuesday over a powerful earthquake that hit northwest China's Qinghai Province.

Messages of condolences were sent through various channels to Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, and Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse expressed support to the Chinese government and people on behalf of the Sri Lankan government and people. He believed the Chinese people have the courage and determination to overcome the challenges of the relief work.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani conveyed sincere greetings to the Chinese people. He believed the undaunted Chinese people will definitely overcome the disaster.

Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mak-toum, vice president and prime minister, sent deepest sympathy and greetings to the Chinese people.

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman expressed condolences to the victims of the quake and conveyed greetings to the Chinese people, especially the families of the victims.

Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa sent sincere greetings to the Chinese people and wished the injured to recover soon.

Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Crown Prince, conveyed condolences to the victims and wished the injured quick recovery.

Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaataryn Batbold expressed deep condolences to the Chinese people.

Eda Satsuki, president of House of Councilors of Japan, conveyed condolences to the Chinese people.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani felt deep sorrow over the huge casualties of the earthquake and expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.

Italian President Giorgio Napolitano expressed deep sorrow over the casualties of the quake and conveyed sincere greetings to the Chinese people and deep condolences to the victims.

Doris Leuthard, president of the Confederation of the Federal Council of Switzerland, sent sincere condolences to the Chinese people.