China earthquake

China - Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Paris, 13 May 2008

France is ready to do her utmost to assist the Chinese authorities to rescue and provide relief to the Sichuan disaster victims and support the efforts of the teams on the ground as quickly and efficiently as possible.

As of today, she can make human and material resources available to them, particularly specialist Sécurité civile [emergency services] teams./.

China – Letter from M. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic, to Mr Hu Jintao, President of China

Paris, 12 May 2008

President Jintao,

A series of earthquakes has struck the heart of Sichuan Province a few hours ago. I should like to tell you how deeply shocked I am and immediately express the French people’s support for the Chinese people at this difficult time. You can also count on my personal support.

I am being informed in real time of the developments in your country and very much hope that the death toll of this disaster remains as limited as possible. I have confidence in China’s ability to cope with this calamity.

(complimentary close)./.

China – Communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Paris, 12 May 2008

As soon as the news broke of the earthquake which struck China today, M. Bernard Kouchner, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, sent a letter to his Chinese opposite number informing him of France’s solidarity:

“I was extremely shocked to learn the news of the earthquake of very high magnitude which today struck China and grievously plunged her into mourning.

"I want to tell the Chinese government and people of my deep sadness, my sympathy and France’s solidarity in the ordeal China is suffering.

"I extend my most sincere condolences to the families of the victims of this disaster and their loved-ones.

"I know the courage being demonstrated by all those who are mobilized on the ground to bring relief to those affected.

"The French people share in the mourning and anguish of the Chinese families in the ordeal.”

M. Bernard Kouchner has also decided to extend the brief of the crisis early warning and monitoring unit he had already activated for Cyclone Nargis to include this disaster which has caused 8,000 deaths in Sichuan province alone, the earthquake’s epicentre.

A Freefone (toll free) number (0033) 800 174 174 has been set up and is accessible from France for people with relatives of French nationality present in the region, for whom our Beijing embassy and consulate general in Chengdu have been fully mobilized./.