Dozens of US lawmakers, foreign diplomats and Chinese Americans visited the Chinese embassy in Washington Monday to offer condolences for the victims of the devastating earthquake in China's southwestern Sichuan Province.

They signed the condolence book and expressed their appreciation of the Chinese government's quick response and efficient relief efforts.

Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska told Xinhua that he had come to the embassy to express the deepest condolences and sympathy for the quake victims and their families on behalf of his state.

Hagel said he was impressed by the beauty of Sichuan during his visit there in 1999, and he hoped the Chinese people will be able to overcome their difficulties as soon as possible.

He also said the US Congress and the government will be actively involved in the international effort to support China's disaster relief operation.

"The people of America are praying for the victims of the recent earthquake tragedy and their families," Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii wrote in the book of condolence.

"You have suffered a great tragedy, but your government and all the Chinese people have taught the world how to lead through difficulties by perseverance," wrote Christine Vick, vice president of the Cohen Group.

Algeria's ambassador to the United States Amine Kherbi said he believed the Chinese will overcome all difficulties and rebuild the quake-hit areas.

Guinea's ambassador to the United States Mory Karamoko Kaba said the people of Guinea are always grateful for China's selfless help and will always stand firmly with the Chinese people in difficult times.

"Your pain is our pain, too," Senegal's ambassador to the United States Amadou Lamine Ba told Xinhua, noting that the nation will do its best to help relief efforts in Sichuan.

Diplomats from Vietnam, Mongolia, Singapore, Ukraine, Serbia and Lebanon also signed the condolence book.

Representatives of local Chinese communities told Xinhua they are impressed by the solidarity of Chinese people in the face of the tragedy, and believe China will emerge even stronger from the disaster.

(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2008)