Emotions exposed as Italy mourns quake dead

10/04/09 18:36 CET

world news

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As the nation mourns, even those not directly affected by the tragedy have been experiencing poignant and powerful emotions.

Mourners at the ceremony were joined by emergency workers, politicians and ordinary Italians. One man said: “We have the utmost respect for the Civil Protection personnel and the firefighters — they’re heroes. As for the politicians – they’ll never change” “Even those who lost houses are mourning, and wounded,” said a psychologist attending the ceremony. A nun joining in the prayers said: “We must have hope and courage. We were all affected, and now, united, lets try to carry on.” Almost 18,000 people are living in tents and a further 10,000 have been put up in hotels. Among their worries is a fear that once the media attention has died down their plight will be forgotten.More about: Earthquake, Italy

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…