More countries send sympathy messages to China

BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- More state leaders and heads of government have sent their messages of sympathy to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao in the aftermath of the ravages caused by heavy snowfalls in the country.

The latest messages came from Kazak President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Finnish President Tarja Halonen and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

The leaders expressed their respect for the Chinese government for its effective disaster-relief efforts and its concern for the Chinese people in times of difficulties.

They hoped life in the affected areas would soon return to normal.

Colombian Foreign Minister Fernando Araujo, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and Czech Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Miloslav Vlcek also sent their sympathy messages.

Heavy snow has been falling in China's eastern, central and southern regions since mid-January, leading to deaths, structural collapses, blackouts, accidents, transport problems and livestock and crop losses in 19 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China.