Wang Zhenyao, director of the disaster relief bureau of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said in Beijing today that the Chinese government would timely receive donations from international societies and forward them in a timely fashion to earthquake-stricken areas.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Information Office of the State Council on Tuesday afternoon, Wang revealed that since the earthquake took place on Monday, leaders from various countries and international organizations have expressed their sympathy and concern to Chinese leaders. The leaders include those from Japan, Britain, Romania, Chile, Mexico, the United States, Portugal, Israel, the European Union, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Spain, and Germany.

"Some international organizations including the International Organization for Migration have also expressed their wish to provide aid to China," said Wang, adding that compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese have also expressed their desire to join in the rescue work and offer donations. "For example, the Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Foundation has donated 30 million yuan (US$4.29 million) to the disaster-stricken area."

"We greatly appreciate generous donations from international societies. We will receive the donations and send them in a timely fashion to the disaster-stricken areas. In addition, we are very grateful that the United Nations and various international organizations have also expressed their wishes to send rescue teams to disaster-stricken area," said Wang.

Wang pointed out that the biggest problem domestic rescue teams face is the current traffic blockage that has made it very challenging to reach disaster-stricken areas. "When circumstances permit, we will ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to negotiate with the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the China Earthquake Administration on a series of concerns. Any donations are welcome."

(China.org.cn May 13, 2008)