Premier Wen visits quake-hit residents

bQ~&[1g1C$L-f0Premier Wen Jiabao (R) holds a baby born on the day of the earthquake as he paid a visit to the quake-stricken Yunnan Province, June 5, 2007.(Xinhua Photo/Huang Jingwen)

Premier Wen Jiabao has visited victims of an earthquake in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. He expressed sympathy and encouraged them to rebuild their homes and lives.

Aftershocks could still be felt when Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Ning'er County amid the ruins of collapsed houses. His first stop was the makeshift tents where the homeless residents are now staying.

Wen Jiabao was pleased to hear there had been no injuries in Xu Guangrong's family. And for the kid there's no better encouragement than Premier's hug. He examined tent by tent to make sure they had what the needed. And he spoke with confidence about the future.

Wen said, "The earthquake has brought us great damage. The central government is greatly concerned for the people here. But we will not be scared and draw back from the disaster. Let us rebuild our homeland with our own hands. "

Wen Jiabao was also concerned about school children. He took some time to teach these primary school pupils. Faith, confidence and courage, he explained, are the essential spirit to fight through the disaster.

He also expressed sympathy and wishes for early recovery to the injured in a local hospital. This child, he hear, has learned to be brave.

Wen Jiabao urged local government officials to mobilize all resources available to minimize the losses of lives and property. And he called for prompt reconstruction of infrastructure and to restore normality to the lives of local residents as soon as possible.