7 April 2009

U.S. Solidarity with Earthquake Victims in Abruzzo, April 7, 2009

U.S. Embassy
Press Release

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 7, 2009

President Barack Obama called Italian Prime Minster Berlusconi this afternoon to express his deepest condolences, and the condolences of the American people, to the families of the victims and to those injured in the April 6 earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy. The President told Prime Minister Berlusconi that the Italian people are in the thoughts and prayers of the American people at this time, and expressed particular concern for families who have lost their loved ones, homes, and businesses. The President assured the Prime Minister that the United States stands ready to help the Italian people in this time of need

Also today, the Charge d’Affaires, a.i. of the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Elizabeth Dibble, authorized the release of $50,000 in emergency relief funding to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake victims. The funds will be channeled through the Red Cross of Italy to assist in the provision of emergency supplies.