Countries stand behind China, offer aid

Messages of condolence and support continued to pour in, a day after a devastating earthquake hit Sichuan province.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev offered condolences to relatives of the quake victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said his country was ready to provide all necessary assistance to relief efforts.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he and the French people would support China in handling the aftermath of the earthquake.