BRUSSELS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Saturday expressed condolences to Indonesians over the devastating earthquake that rocked the island of Java.

    "I wish to express my condolences to all those who have suffered the consequences of the earthquake and have lost relatives and friends as well as their homes and properties," said Javier Solana, EU's foreign policy and security chief, in a statement.

    "I feel very close to your grief in these difficult moments," he said.

    He said the EU is ready to provide all the necessary assistance to the population affected by the disaster.

    In a separate statement, Austria, which holds the EU presidency, said the EU is saddened by the news of the quake.

    "The presidency of the European Union expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved families as well as to the government and the people of Indonesia."

    The statement also expressed the EU's willingness to help.

    Saturday's earthquake on the island of Java has killed at least 3,000 people. Enditem