China says it is ready to accept international aid

Tue, May 13 04:19 PM

Beijing, May 13 (PTI) China today said it is ready to accept international aid to handle relief measures in the worst ever earthquake in decades that has left thousands of people dead in its southwest Sichuan province. "The competent authorities of China in charge of disaster relief works and civil affairs welcome the aid from international community and we are ready to make contact with the relevant countries and organisations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters here.

The quake that pummelled Sichuan province leaving thousands buried under the debris of toppled buildings has posed a big challenge to China in tackling the disaster. Qin said soon after the earthquake, the international community had expressed its "solicitude, support and sympathy" and offered aid to Chinese government and its people.

"Many countries and international organisations have expressed their will to provide various kinds of aid to China. We express our thanks and welcome (it) in this regard.

" The US, Japan and Australia are among the nations which have offered help to China, as also the United Nations. PTI.

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