5月19日，来自世界150多个国家的驻华使节和国际组织代表陆续抵达外交部，在吊唁簿上签名留言，向中国政府和人民表示深切同情和诚挚慰问，对地震中的罹难者表示沉痛哀悼，对中国政府和人民在抗震救灾中表现出的英雄气概和付出的巨大努力表示钦佩，相信中国政府和人民必将战胜一切困难，重建美好家园。

United States Ambassador to China Clark T. Randt (R) talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi as he arrives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, May 19, 2008, to mourn for the victims in the May 12 earthquake in Southwest China. [Asianewsphoto]

The Foreign Ministry yesterday opened a book of condolences for foreign diplomats to express their sympathies for the victims of the Sichuan earthquake. It will remain open for three days, until the conclusion of the national mourning.

Ambassadors and diplomats from more than 150 countries and international organizations yesterday lined up to sign the book and bowed their heads at a mourning board.

The diplomats also expressed their support for the Chinese government, the PLA and the Chinese people in dealing with the disaster.

Coffie Alain N. Papatchi, the Ivory Coast's ambassador to China, was the first to sign the Book of Condolences, while Jorge Eugenio Guajardo Gonzalez, the Mexican ambassador, led embassy staff in paying their respects.

Nirupama Rao, the Indian ambassador, who arrived back in Beijing on Sunday after visiting quake-hit areas, was also present.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi received the visitors and expressed his gratitude for their friendship and support.

The foreign ministry's overseas missions also yesterday opened books of condolence and flew the Chinese flag at half-mast.

Some foreign diplomatic missions in Beijing also yesterday flew their national flags at half-mast.

As of Sunday, the leaders of 166 countries and heads of more than 30 international organizations had offered their condolences to China.

As well as sending relief teams to the country, the international community has so far donated $246 million.

(China Daily)

Vocabulary:

a book of condolences：吊唁簿

（英语点津Celene编辑）