The UN council members and senior officials from dozens of UN member states stand in silent tribute to China's earthquake victims at UN headquarters in New York on May 20, 2008. [Photo: Xinhua]

The UN Security Council observed a minute of silence on Tuesday to mourn the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck China's Southwest Sichuan Province on May 12.

At the beginning of a high-level debate on post-conflict peacebuilding, British Foreign Minister David Miliband, whose country holds the council's presidency for this month, extended sympathy and condolences to the Chinese government and people on behalf of the Security Council.

Then, the 15 council members and senior officials from dozens of other UN member states stood up in silent tribute to the earthquake victims.

In their respective remarks, the council members also expressed their sympathy and condolences to China.

Wang Guangya, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, thanked his council colleagues, saying that he will soon report to the Chinese government and convey their sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims.

"I am confident that with the concerted efforts of the Chinese government and people, and the strong support of the Security Council members and other countries as well as international organizations, China will prevail in its earthquake relief efforts, " Wang said.

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon (2nd from R) stands in silent tribute to China's earthquake victims at UN headquaters in New York on May 20, 2008. [Photo: Xinhua]

Wang Guangya (C), China's permanent representative to the United Nations, stands in silent tribute to China's earthquake victims at UN headquaters in New York on May 20, 2008. [Photo: Xinhua]

Editor: Yan