*EPF403 12/28/00
Text: U.S. Offers Condolences for Fire Victims in China
(State Department wishes speedy recovery to survivors) (160)

The U.S. Department of State released a statement on December 27 offering condolences to the families of the victims killed in the December 25 fire in Luoyang, China.

Following is the text of the statement:

(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

December 27, 2000

STATEMENT BY PHILIP T. REEKER, DEPUTY SPOKESMAN

CHINA - LUOYANG FIRE

We were saddened to learn of the terrible fire that killed hundreds of people in the Chinese city of Luoyang. The United States offers its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic December 25 blaze. We also offer our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the survivors.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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