VIENNA, 20 May (UN Information Service) -- A solemn ceremony was held on 20 May 2008 at the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations (Vienna). At the event, Franz Baumann, Acting Director-General, United Nations Office at Vienna, signed the condolence book in remembrance of the victims of the earthquake that struck Sichuan, China, on 12 May 2008. The ceremony was covered by mainly Chinese media including CCTV, Xinhua, Economic Daily and Guang Ming Daily.
On that occasion, Mr. Baumann also granted a brief interview to CCTV. In answer to a question by the journalist from CCTV regarding his reaction when he heard the news of the earthquake, Mr. Baumann said that it was a shock to have the tragedy in China so soon after cyclone Nargis had hit Myanmar. He added that such situations showed the importance of good cooperation with the international community and commended the Chinese Government's response to such an emergency. Mr. Baumann also shared with media representatives facts, figures and background information on the rapid UN response to help the authorities and population in the affected area.
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