China on Friday called on the international community to work actively to provide necessary assistance to more than 1.5 million victims of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar last week.

Liu Zhenmin, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the appeal while speaking at the launch of a UN flash appeal for US$1.87 million to aid Myanmar at the UN Headquarters in New York.

"The Chinese government and people wish to express their deep sympathy and condolences to the Myanmar government and people," he told the meeting, which was attended by UN officials and delegates of member states.

Immediately after the disaster, he said, the Chinese government decided to provide US$500,000 of assistance in cash and the same amount of emergency assistance in kind to the Myanmar government.

Emergency relief materials from China, including tents, blankets and food, have arrived at the Rangoon Airport by Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Chinese government decided to provide an additional 30 million yuan (about US$4.3 million) of emergency assistance to the Myanmar government to be used for post-disaster reconstruction.

Chinese emergency relief team and medical team are also fully prepared to go to Myanmar at any time to engage in disaster relief.

These efforts have shown the "support of the Chinese government and people to the Myanmar government and people," Liu noted.

Liu urged that the "relevant international agencies and donor countries should resolve specific issues arising during disaster relief through bilateral consultations."

He also expressed hope that the Myanmar government "strengthens dialogue and consultation with all the parties concerned and provides them with necessary assistance and support in connection with the international humanitarian relief activities so as to ensure speedy transportation and distribution of relief materials to those hit by the disaster to meet their urgent needs."

In conclusion, Liu expressed belief that "with the sincere assistance of the international community, the Myanmar government and people will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland."

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2008)