More countries and international organizations have, by various means, offered their condolences and aid over a deadly earthquake in southwestern China.

Among the leaders who sent messages to Chinese President Hu Jintao are:

South African President Thabo Mbeki, Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, Guyanese President Bharat Jagdeo,

Foreign officials who extended solace to China's top legislator Wu Bangguo include:

Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Sergei Mironov, Speaker of the Lower House of Belarus Vadim Popov, Speaker of the Upper House of Kazakhstan Ckasymzhomart Tokaev, Speaker of the French National Assembly Bernard Accoyer, Speaker of the French Senate Christian Poncelet, Speaker of the National Assembly of Panama Pedro Miguel Gonzalez,

Moreover, parliaments of New Zealand and Bolivia, Montenegro's Foreign Minister Milan Rocen, Foreign Minister of Fijian interim government Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the International Organization for Migration and the World Economic Forum have also offered condolences to China over the quake.

The Malaysian government decided to offer US$1.5 million in aid.

The Australian government has offered 1 million Australian dollars (about US$950,000) through the International Red Cross.

The Italian government has offered to China material assistance worth 500,000 euros (about US$778,750).

The Finnish government decided to donate 500,000 euros (about US$778,750) in aid.

The Dutch government has provided 500,000 euros (US$778,750) through the International Red Cross.

The Croatian government has presented a donation of 200,000 euros (US$311,500) through the Croatian Red Cross.

Luxemburg's government decided to contribute 50,000 euros (US$77,875) in aid.

The Spanish government has provided six tons of relief materials to the Chinese side.

The death toll from the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan province rose to 28,881 nationwide as of 2:PM (0600 GMT) on Friday, while the rescue headquarters feared the ultimate figure may top 50,000.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2008)