Premier Wen Jiabao, who arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia on
Wednesday to attend the Special ASEAN Leaders' Meeting on the
Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami, urged Chinese rescue
workers in the region to stay the course until their mission is
completed.
Speaking to them by phone shortly after his arrival, Wen said
the earthquake-triggered tsunami was a catastrophe for all humanity
and the relief they are providing embodies the Chinese people's
desire to support those in disaster-hit countries.
Chinese doctors have joined the operations and will face many
difficulties, Wen said, adding that he hoped the team, with the
support of the government and people of China, will fulfill their
mission and return home successfully.
Wen wrote New Year's cards for every team member, and a
delegation to the region will later convey gifts brought by the
premier.
The 35-member search and rescue team began treating tsunami
survivors and helping to prevent disease as soon as it arrived last
Friday in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh that was devastated by
the tsunamis.
So far, they have treated some 3,000 people and retrieved dozens
of bodies of tsunami victims.
In Thailand and Sri Lanka, another 41 Chinese doctors are
providing medical treatment for more than 3,000 people.
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2005)
