European Commission President Romano Prodi on Wednesday voiced
support for China's fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome
(
SARS),
saying that the European Union (EU) stands shoulder to shoulder
with China.
"We wholeheartedly support China's efforts to control and fight the
disease. The European Union is ready to provide China with
assistance that may be needed in combating SARS," Prodi said in a
message sent to Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Prodi said that China, as the country most severely affected by the
epidemic, is bearing the brunt of the disease's impact, and is at
the forefront of global efforts to contain, and combat the deadly
illness as the world is confronting the first major global health
threat of the new century -- the outbreak of SARS.
He
also called for concerted efforts of the world health community to
tackle the global challenge.
Prodi also expressed his deepest sympathy with the Chinese
government and the Chinese people, as well as condolences to the
victims and their families.
(People's Daily 1, 2003)