World leaders send their condolences

World leaders yesterday sent their condolences to the victims of the massive earthquake in China, in which more than 8,500 are feared dead.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his deep sympathy during a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

Ban said that, upon learning that Sichuan province was hit by the quake, he, on behalf of the UN, expressed deep sympathy and sincere solicitude toward the Chinese government and people, and deep condolences over those killed.