Today's Date:

France/Italy

Message from Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, to Silvio Berlusconi, President of the Italian Council of Ministers, following an air disaster in the waters off Palermo

Paris, August 6, 2005

President Berlusconi, [handwritten:] Dear Silvio,

I was appalled to learn of the air disaster which occurred on 6 August in the waters off Palermo killing 13 Italians, not counting those missing.

In these painful circumstances for Italy, I want to express to you my very sincere condolences and feelings of solidarity in this ordeal.

I ask you to convey my sympathy to the families who have suffered such a cruel blow.

(complimentary close) With my warm friendship in this ordeal./.