美国准备为土耳其矿难提供帮助

 　　WASHINGTON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Wednesday offered its condolences over a deadly coal mine explosion in Turkey, saying the United States was ready to help.

　　Spokesman¹ Jay Carney offered his "heartfelt condolences" to the families of the 238 dead and "best wishes" for a safe exit of 120 others still trapped underground.

　　He told reporters at a daily press briefing that the U.S. was " ready to assist the Turkish government if necessary," calling Ankara a "close and longstanding friend and ally²."

　　The tragedy befell on Tuesday following an explosion 150 meters underground in the privately-owned mine in Turkey's western province of Manisa. Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said most of the victims died of carbon monoxide poisoning following the explosion and ensuing³ fire.

　　Rescue operations were still underway on Wednesday, while the Turkish government declared a three-day national mourning.（本文由在线英语听力室整理编辑）

1 spokesman   

n.发言人，代言人

参考例句：

• The government spokesman gave a quick briefing to the reporters.政府发言人向记者们作了情况简介。
• They drew lots to decide who should be their spokesman.他们抽签决定谁是他们的发言人。

2 ally   

n.同盟者，同盟国；vt.使结盟，与...有关联

参考例句：

• In that war England was not an ally,she was neutral.在那场战争中，英国不同任何一国结盟，保持中立。
• She felt she needed an ally so badly.她感到她极需一个支持者。

3 ensuing   

a.继而发生的

参考例句：

• In the ensuing confusion another eight persons were hurt. 在随后的骚动中，又有八人受伤。
• I lost my bag in the ensuing chaos. 我在随后的混乱中丟了包。