UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his sympathy with the victims of Hurricane Katrinain the United States and extended condolences to those affected bythe storm, US spokeswoman Marie Okabe said Wednesday.

    "The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the loss of life and large-scale destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina along the United States Gulf Coast," Annan said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman.

    "He extends his sincere condolences to all the victims and their families," it added. Enditem