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.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said his country was ready to offer aid to China.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso also sent condolences to China.

In his letter to President Hu Jintao, Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, said: "I send deep sympathy and consolation to you and, through you, to the Communist Party and the government of China and the people in the quake-hit area," official news agency KCNA reported.

Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak sent his condolences to the quake victims and offered help to their kin and those injured, wishing a speedy completion of rescue and relief efforts.

Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding expressed regret over the heavy casualties. He offered to help in the relief efforts and sent his good wishes to the Chinese people.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, said the Chinese government and the people will be able to restore normalcy in the quake-hit areas with their unity, indomitable spirit and strong willpower.

The Senate of Pakistan passed a resolution, expressing deep sorrow and grief to China.

Those who expressed condolence yesterday include Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet, Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

Some countries also started to offer aid to China.

The United States is offering an initial $500,000 in earthquake relief in anticipation of an appeal by the International Red Cross.

US president George W. Bush spoke with Chinese President Hu Jintao over the phone yesterday, expressing his condolences and offering assistance.

The Japanese government has decided to give 500 million yen ($5 million) of emergency grants to support relief efforts, Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura announced yesterday.

(China Daily/Agencies May 14, 2008)