Italy mourns soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Italian soldiers carry coffins which contain the bodies of the six Italian soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan three days ago, at Ciampino airport in Rome September 20, 2009. A majority of Italians already wanted their troops pulled out of Afghanistan before a bomb on Thursday killed the six Italian soldiers and the lobby for withdrawal will now get stronger, a pollster said on Friday.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Martin Fortunato, the son of slain Italian Captain Antonio Fortunato, blows a kiss to his father's coffin during a funeral service at Saint Paul Basilica in Rome September 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

An Italian soldier carries cap and medals belonging to one of the six Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan three days ago after their arrival at Ciampino airport near Rome September 20, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Relatives of the six Italian soldiers killed in Afghanistan three days ago reacts as the coffins containing their bodies arrive at Ciampino airport near Rome September 20, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

ROME, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Italy mourned Monday the death of six soldiers killed in Afghanistan last week at a state funeral held in Rome.

Schools and public offices around the country observed a minute of silence for the six soldiers. Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, Premier Silvio Berlusconi, Senate Speaker Renato Schifani and House Speaker Gianfranco Fini and all of the cabinet ministers attended the services.

Napolitano and Berlusconi gave their condolences to the victims' families before the services began. Four soldiers wounded in a car bomb attack in Kubul were also present.