The UN Security Council observed a minute of silence on Tuesday to mourn the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck China's southwest Sichuan Province on May 12.

At the beginning of a high-level debate on post-conflict peacebuilding, British Foreign Minister David Miliband, whose country holds the council's presidency for this month, extended sympathy and condolences to the Chinese government and people on behalf of the Security Council.

Then, the 15 council members and senior officials from dozens of other UN member states stood up in silent tribute to the earthquake victims.

In their respective remarks, the council members also expressed their sympathy and condolences to China.

Wang Guangya, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, thanked his council colleagues, saying that he will soon report to the Chinese government and convey their sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims.

"I am confident that with the concerted efforts of the Chinese government and people, and the strong support of the Security Council members and other countries as well as international organizations, China will prevail in its earthquake relief efforts," Wang said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2008)