The Foreign Ministry yesterday opened a book of condolences (吊唁簿) for foreign diplomats to express their sympathies for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. It will remain open for three days, until the conclusion of the national mourning.
Ambassadors and diplomats from more than 150 countries and international organizations yesterday lined up to sign the book and bowed their heads at a mourning board.
The diplomats also expressed their support for the Chinese government, the PLA and the Chinese people in dealing with the disaster.
Coffie Alain N. Papatchi, the Ivory Coast's ambassador to China, was the first to sign the Book of Condolences, while Jorge Eugenio Guajardo Gonzalez, the Mexican ambassador, led embassy staff in paying their respects.
Nirupama Rao, the Indian ambassador, who arrived back in Beijing on Sunday after visiting quake-hit areas, was also present.
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi received the visitors and expressed his gratitude for their friendship and support.
The foreign ministry's overseas missions also yesterday opened books of condolence and flew the Chinese flag at half-mast.
Some foreign diplomatic missions in Beijing also yesterday flew their national flags at half-mast.
As of Sunday, the leaders of 166 countries and heads of more than 30 international organizations had offered their condolences to China.
As well as sending relief teams to the country, the international community has so far donated $246 million.
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哀悼，正所谓大爱无疆，我一直在被感动着.......