Quake: UN chief praises rescue efforts

(ANSA) - New York, August 25 - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday praised national authorities' "swift and robust" rescue efforts after yesterday's devastating earthquake in central Italy.
    The UN chief spoke with Italian President Sergio Mattarella by phone to offer his condolences and the solidarity of the United Nations, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
    "The Secretary-General praises the swift and robust efforts put forth by the Italian government to rescue and assist those affected by the earthquake," Dujarric said.
    "The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is in close contact to offer assistance," he said, adding that Italy hasn't requested UN assistance thus far.