The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, with principal officials and member of the Executive Council, observed a three-minute silence at Government Headquarters today to mourn for the victims of the Qinghai earthquake, which claimed more than 2,000 lives.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Mr Chui extended his condolences to the victims’ families and said the Government would fully support the rescue and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas, in co-ordination with the Red Cross Society of China and the Macau Red Cross.

On Monday the Government announced the donation of 100 million RMB for quake relief.

The ceremony was attended by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, the Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuoc Va, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Mr Lau Si Io, the Director-General of Macao Customs Service, Mr Choi Lai Hang, and Commissioner of Commission Against Corruption, Mr Fong Man Chong.