President condoles loss of lives in China quake, offers help

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) President Pratibha Patil today expressed shock and grief at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in China on May 12 and offered to contribute to Beijing's efforts to mitigate the sufffering of the affected people.

In a condolence message to Chinese President Hu Jintao, the President said she had learnt with great shock and dismay of the devastation and destruction and the massive loss of lives, including those of school children.

Expressing confidence that the people of China would overcome this adversity with fortitude and courage, the President said India was willing to make a contribution for mitigating the sufferings of the ''friendly people of China.'' UNI RB KD BST1408