Chinese Pres. Orders Help for Fire Victims

Chinese President Hu Jintao has instructed his officials to closely cooperate with Korea in the wake of Chinese nationals killed in a fire in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, China`s state media Xinhua said Tuesday. Twelve Chinese have been identified among the dead, with one survivor.

Hu expressed condolences and asked relevant authorities to look to the needs of the survivors and fatalities, and to help their relatives visit Korea.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also ordered related organizations to take all measures to treat the injured and swiftly handle the accident. The Foreign Ministry in Beijing Wednesday also called Korea to identify the Chinese victims and ensure the safety of migrant workers in the country.

orionha@donga.com