After the devastating May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province of China, many international participants to the 2008 FIT World Congress sent emails of sympathy to the Organizing Committee of the FIT2008 World Congress, showing their sincere concern to the Chinese people suffering from the quake.

Quoted below are only some of the many messages we received. The Congress Organizing Committee wishes to thank all of them for their kind wishes, and promises to double our efforts to ensure the XVIII FIT World Congress in Shanghai a success!

"It is a tragedy for the Chinese people, and we hope for a smooth recovery with as little human suffering and economic loss as possible."

-- Sheryl Hinkkanen, Secretary-General of FIT

"I am astonished to learn such an extra-scale earthquake happened to Sichuan, China. I wish to convey my deep condolence to the dead and extend my sympathy to those who are still in danger. Being far from the disaster area, I could not provide any practical help. But I sincerely hope that the disaster does not continue and the affected areas recover soon…."

-- Tommi Atsushi, Japan Association of Translators

"I am very sorry for the earthquake happened in China and my condolences for the lost lives. On both edges of the world, we are paying very high prices -- let’s hope human and natural evils get away from our lives. … "

-- khadijah Lakkis from Lebanon, Arab Thought Foundation

"… let me say how sorry we are about the terrible earthquake in China. Here in Norway, we are following along minute by minute in the hope that the authorities and volunteers will be able to save more lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of China."

-- Linda Sivesind, former vice-president of FIT

"In the mourning day in your country for all lost lives, we should find the strength and should never lose the meaning of life, its importance and its fate which is important to all human beings...so please accept my condolences and my dippiest feelings to all."

-- Entela Safeti Kasi, Tirane, Albania

"I am really so sorry about the disaster of the earth quake hitting China yesterday. Hope things will be fine for you soon and may the souls of the victims rest in peace."

-- Dr.Yasmin Hannouna, UAE University, UAE

"I would want to use this medium to formally register my most profound sympathy with regard to the calamity (the earthquake) which has befallen you in China. While we may pray that you should not be directly affected, I know that many lives have been lost and many families affected. … Please accept my most sincere sympathy."

-- Chidubem Akinyede, Nigeria

(China.org.cn May 16, 2008)