U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed sadness and sympathy for the victims of the earthquake.

Ban told a press conference on Monday that the United Nations' and his thoughts are very much with them and their families.

In a statement issued later, he said the United Nations stands ready to support the government of China in its efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by the disaster.

Foreign countries and organizations have also offered condolences and sympathy to China.

U.S. President George W. Bush said the thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected. The United States stands ready to help in any way possible.

The European Commission said in a news release that it was closely monitoring the situation in the Sichuan province in China.

In a condolences message to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev asked the Chinese leader to convey his words of solace to the relatives and friends of those who were killed in the quake and wished speedy recovery to survivors.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel sent her condolences to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, saying the German government was ready to provide speedy assistance for China.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda hoped that the quake-affected people could resume their normal lives and reconstruct their homes soon.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini felt deep sorrow over the disaster and expressed sympathy for the families of the victims.