President Sergio Mattarella on
Wednesday called for unity and solidarity after a devastating
6.0 magnitude quake left scores dead in central Italy.
"This is a time of pain and a call for common
responsibility," he said in a statement. "The country as a whole
must stand by the stricken populations with solidarity".
"My first thoughts go out to the victims of this
devastating seism which has struck such a large portion of the
national territory. I wish to thank local authorities, civil
protection services, fire fighters, police, the armed forces,
and volunteers for their commitment and dedication in the rescue
operations. We must focus all our forces to save human lives in
the immediate term, to aid the injured and ensure the best
possible conditions for the displaced".
The president said after that, a common effort will be
needed to rebuild destroyed towns and villages.
Mattarella has been in close contact with civil protection
officials since the early hours of Wednesday.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
