Senior party leader Zhou Yongkang has visited the Longnan area in the northwestern province of Gansu, one of the worst-hit areas. He expressed his sympathy and concern for people in the area.

On Friday afternoon, Politburo Standing Committee member of the CPC Central Committee, Zhou Yongkang came to Hejiaping village.

Faced with so much devastation, he said his heart is heavy with the pain of the villagers. He said the Communist Party of China maintains flesh-and-blood ties with the people, and the central government has always been dedicated to serving the people. Protecting people's lives and property, and helping them through their difficulties, are the government's fundamental duties.

Zhou said although the earthquake took away the lives of many people, and destroyed many houses, it can never break the spirit of the Chinese people, who will overcome this disaster and remain strong. With the leadership of the Communist Party, the support of the people and their hard work in the quake zone, the difficulties will be overcome, and the destroyed houses will be rebuilt.

Later, Zhou Yongkang went to Wenxian county to visit the quake victims. There were landslides just before his arrival. Zhou held a nighttime meeting with local officials to discuss the rescue work in the coming days and reconstruction.

Zhou Yongkang said the quake had resulted in great losses for the local people. He praised the Gansu provincial government, the People's Liberation Army, and the armed police for their contribution to the rescue work.

Highlighting the key agenda for the coming days, Zhou said the top priority remains saving lives and providing living necessities for the homeless.

Secondly, he said reconstruction must start immediately, and the new buildings must withstand future earthquakes.

Thirdly, he said it is necessary to be on the lookout for other disasters, such as landslides and floods caused by damaged reservoirs.

Fourthly, he said social stability must be maintained.

Finally, he said it is important to implement the scientific outlook on development as the disaster areas rebuild.

Zhou Yongkang added that those people who have contributed to the disaster relief should be recognized for their work.

(CCTV May 18, 2008)