Wed, April 08, 2009
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday called Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to express condolences over the heavy loss of life and property in a deadly earthquake that struck central Italy on Monday.
Obama called Berlusconi to express his deepest condolences, and the condolences of the American people, to the families of the victims and to those injured in the earthquake, said the White House in a statement.
Obama told the prime minister that the Italian people are in the thoughts and prayers of the American people at this time, and that the United States stands ready to help the Italian people in this time of need, according to the statement.
A powerful earthquake hit central Italy early Monday, killing 207 people, injuring about 1,500 and leaving around 70,000 homeless, according to the latest reports.
