No casualties among foreigners in quake: China

Tue, May 13 03:30 PM

Beijing, May 13 (PTI) The Chinese government today said there had been no casualties among foreigners in the powerful earthquake that jolted Sichuan province, leaving thousands of people dead and injured. "According to our information, there are no dead or injured people (among foreigners)," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters here at the bi-weekly briefing.

He said the Foreign Ministry and the local governments attach "great importance" to the safety of foreigners and "We have made relevant enquiry with competent authorities and contacted embassies and consulates in China to ask if there are any foreigners in the affected areas." Qin said the communication and transport facilities had been "severely damaged" in the affected areas and, as rescue work goes on, "more information will turn out.

" He said if any foreign diplomatic mission had information regarding their citizens, they could contact the Foreign Ministry and it would provide necessary assistance. Asked about access to foreign journalists to the disaster-hit areas, he said the infrastructure, communication and transport were "ruined now".

"It is very inconvenient at present for journalists to go there. They may encounter large difficulties.

" He said roads were not opened and even relief materials could only be dropped. "We will try our best to create conditions for reporting work there.

We shall remind the journalists who will go to the affected area. Please be alert and keep yourself safe.

If any have any emergency, contact the information department of the foreign ministry and we will provide our support," he said. PTI.

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