UN a sincere partner in China's quake task

As the nation grapples with its worst natural disaster in three decades, the United Nations in China joins Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in extending our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured in the devastating earthquake that struck China on May 12.

The figures and the images speak for themselves. As China began a three-day national mourning last Monday, UN China staff members joined the Chinese people in observing three minutes of silence at 2:28 pm in the UN Compound in Beijing. Our hearts were filled with a great sadness.

At the same time, we are moved by the strong leadership demonstrated by the Chinese government leaders, President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and all the people, the army, rescue workers, and volunteers who have shown such a great spirit of self-help and cooperation and resilience to overcome this natural disaster.