The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

World leaders have expressed deep sympathy to the loss of lives and property in the cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh and have pledged assistance to reduce sufferings of the destitute.

US President George W Bush and First Lady Laura Bush offered condolences for the victims of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, especially those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragedy.

The government of the United States expressed "its deepest sympathy" for the victims of the cyclone that struck Bangladesh, US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, reading a statement.

Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh have sent separate messages to President Prof. Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Dr Fakruddin Ahmed to convey condolences.

Expressing grief at the loss of life and property caused by cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh, Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh conveyed India's readiness to assist the neighbouring country in relief process.

He expressed "great sadness at the loss of lives and damage to property in Bangladesh caused by the hurricane."

Pakistani Prime Minister Mohammad Mian Soomro in a letter to Chief Adviser Dr Fakruddin Ahmed expressed deep shock at the precious loss of lives and property.

"The Government and the people of Pakistan share the grief of the people of Bangladesh," the Pakistani PM wrote to the Chief Adviser of the interim administration in Bangladesh.

French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs M. Bernard Kouchner, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Bangladesh.

In a message Kouchner salutes the outstanding mobilization of the Bangladeshi authorities that allowed the evacuation of a majority of persons at risk, thus mitigation of a human cost that could have been much heavier.

Spanish government and people are shocked and concerned at the tragic loss of lives and wanton damage caused. Juan Pablo de Laiglesa, Secretary General, Spanish Agency for International Development (AECI) said it to Dr. Saiful Amin Khan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Spain.