The UN Security Council observed a minute of silence on Tuesday to mourn earthquake victims.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (C) and representatives of the UN Security Council members stand in a silent tribute to the Chinese earthquake victims, during a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, the United States, May 20, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

At the beginning of a high-level debate on post-conflict peace, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, whose country holds the council's presidency for this month, extended sympathy and condolences to the Chinese government and people on behalf of the Council.

Then, the 15 council members and senior officials stood in a silent tribute to the earthquake victims. Wang Guangya, China's permanent representative to the UN, thanked his council colleagues, saying that he would report to the Chinese government and convey their sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims.

(CCTV May 22, 2008)