22nd February 2012
Britain’s Foreign Secretary, William Hague has written to New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully
offering his condolences to the people of New Zealand on the anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake.
The letter says
“As we approach the first anniversary of the devastating Canterbury earthquake, I am writing to express once more my
condolences and assure you that my thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragedy , especially the residents of
Christchurch.”
It is difficult to imagine how Cantabrians have coped with the aftermath of this tragedy, including the 10,000
aftershocks which I know they have endured since the original quake .It is a testament to the Kiwi spirit that we
witness the citizens of Christchurch determined to see their city rebuilt .Britain stands ready to help you in the
journey ahead . I look forward to the day when we can celebrate a new iconic city of the 21st century emerging from the
destruction of the old.”
William Hague
*******
ENDS