特别报道：>>>沪江汶川地震专题CANBERRA, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Australian Foreign
Minister Stephen Smith said here on Tuesday that his country had offered search and
rescue experts to help China with an earthquake that has left at least 10,000 dead.
The government also was in
discussions with Beijing about what humanitarian
assistance Australia can provide, he said in a statement.
"The Australian government stands ready to provide practical
assistance and has already offered Australia's expert urban search and rescue capabilities through Emergency Management Australia," the foreign minister said.
In the statement, Smith expressed
condolences on behalf of all Australians. "I extend our deepest sympathies to those
affected by the terrible earthquake in Sichuan province."
"Our thoughts go out to the
victims and their families in Chengdu city and surrounding areas," he said.
