FAO extends sympathy to Italian quake victims

6 April 2009, Rome – Following the deadly earthquake in the Abruzzo region of Italy early this morning, FAO wishes to express its deepest sympathy with the victims and their families and extends its condolences to the Italian government and people.

"This is a terrible tragedy and the thoughts of FAO staff are with the people who are suffering as a result of this cruel catastrophe, especially those who have lost loved ones or who still do not know the fate of someone close to them," said FAO Director General Jacques Diouf.

"FAO also extends its sympathy to the thousands of people who have lost their homes as a result of the earthquake, to those people taking part in the heroic rescue effort currently underway and to the Italian nation".

Italy has been the host nation of FAO, which has its headquarters in Rome, for nearly sixty years.