Q: It is reported that early this morning a strong earthquake hit the capital of Algeria. What is the reaction of the Chinese Government? Are there any casualties among the Chinese citizens there?

A: The Chinese Government is very concerned about the strong earthquake which hit the regions around Alger, the capital of Algeria. China’s President Hu Jintao has sent a telegram to the Algerian President Bouteflika, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and his sympathy to those wounded. China is actively considering providing assistance to Algeria within its capacity.

It is learnt that 7 people of the Chinese companies were injured and another 6 were still under the collapsed premises. Two of them have already been found dead. Leaders of the Chinese Embassy in Algeria and the people in charge of the relevant corporations are cooperating with the Algerian side for emergency rescue work. So far, besides several cracks on the residential building of the Embassy and the Ambassador’s residence, all the staff members of the Chinese Embassy, the local correspondents of the Xinhua News Agency, and members of the Chinese medical team in Alger are all sound and safe. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has already conveyed its greetings to the staff members of the Chinese Embassy in Algeria and has extended its care to other Chinese people there through the Embassy. The Chinese Government is very concerned about the personal safety of all Chinese citizens in Algeria. We are now closely following the development of the situation there.