Wang Daohan, president of the Association for Relations across the
Taiwan Straits (ARATS), Saturday expressed deep concern and
condolences over the crash of a China Airlines flight with 225
people on board.
China Airlines flight CI611 from Taipei to Hong Kong crashed at
about 3:30 pm shortly after taking off. Aboard the ill-fated Boeing
747 plane were 206 passengers and 19 crewmembers.
Wang showed deep concern over the air crash and extended
condolences to the Taiwan compatriots killed in the accident and
expressed deep sympathy to the victims' families.
In
its letter to the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF),
the ARATS said that it was shocked to learn the crash of the China
Airlines flight, which had caused "enormous loss of life and
property to Taiwan compatriots."
The ARATS asked the SEF to convey its deep condolences over the
victims from Taiwan and sincere sympathy to their families.
The letter said that relevant departments on the mainland stand
ready to provide assistance whenever the Taiwan side feels
necessary.
The maritime rescue center under the Ministry of Communications has
contacted Taiwan's rescue center to offer help whenever the Taiwan
center has the need. The Taiwan-based center thanked the mainland
center and said it would contact the mainland side timely when
necessary.
The Red Cross Society of China also sent a message of sympathy to
Taiwan's Red Cross organization.
It
is learned that there were nine mainland passengers aboard the
crashed plane. Relevant mainland departments are keeping contact
with China Airlines and will provide help to families of the
victims.
(Xinhua News
Agency May 25, 2002)