Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General,
mourns earthquake victims at the Chinese Mission to the UN
New York, 19 May 2008

(Photo coutesy of Mr. HOU Jun, Xinhua News Agency)

On Monday morning, 19 May 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon paid a visit to the Permanent Mission of China to the UN to mourn the people killed in the Sichuan earthquake. Mr. Ban bowed and stood in silence to mourn the quake victims. He asked Ambassador Wang Guangya, China's Permanent Representative to the UN, to convey to the bereaved families his condolences and sympathy and those of the UN Secretariat staff.

(Photo coutesy of Mr. HOU Jun, Xinhua News Agency)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wrote in the Condolence Book: "China's loss is greater than many of the world can fathom. The international community stands behind the great people of China in the face of this massive tragedy. Your strength, resilience and courage have profoundly impressed the world. The whole U.N. system and family stand behind you, China, at this time of challenge."

(Photo coutesy of Ms. TAN Hongwei, China News Service)

Mr. Ban also wrote in the Chinese language: "I mourn the Chinese people who died in the disaster!"

(Photo coutesy of Ms. TAN Hongwei, China News Service)