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Putin offers condolences to Italy over heavy quake

I ask to offer my words of support and condolences to families and relatives of those killed in the quake and soonest possible recovery to those injured

MOSCOW, May 21 (Itar-Tass) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences to his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano over one of the strongest earthquakes that hit northern Italy, killing several people and bringing down ancient buildings, the Kremlin press service said on Monday.

“I offer my deep condolences over heavy consequences caused by the quake in northern Italy – fatalities and serious damage posed to buildings of historical and cultural heritage,” Putin said in his message.

“I ask to offer my words of support and condolences to families and relatives of those killed in the quake and soonest possible recovery to those injured. I hope that effects of this natural disaster will be successfully overcome,” he said.

The magnitude-6.0 quake rocked northern Italy not far from Bologna early on Saturday killing at least seven people and damaging historical buildings. An estimated 3,000 people were left homeless.