On the tragedy of New Orleans, we extend our deepest condolences to the American people.

Our deepest condolences go to the victims and their families in the region, particularly in Guatemala, where the death toll is the highest.

Mr. Toafa (Tuvalu) The people of Tuvalu extend their deepest sympathy to the people and the Government of the United States of America on the tragic loss they have suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

The Chairman On behalf of the First Committee, I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to the victims of the earthquake that occurred in South Asia over the weekend.

To add to India s woes, Salman Khurshid, the country s bungling foreign minister, initially made light of the deepest Chinese incursion in more than a quarter century.

I also have the honour to convey, on behalf of the Asian Group, our deepest condolences on the passing of brother Ambassador Sami Kronfol, Permanent Representative of Lebanon to the United Nations, to the Government and people of Lebanon and to our brothers in the Permanent Mission of Lebanon to the United Nations on his much lamented death.