In a telephone call to his Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, Federal Minister Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier pledged support for the reconstruction of Onna, which was particularly hard hit by the earthquake.

As a gesture of solidarity and sympathy, Steinmeier offered German assistance in rebuilding the church in Onna. It dates back to the 18th century and was destroyed in the recent earthquake.

The Federal Foreign Minister also renewed his offer to provide disaster relief and assistance in reconstructing the region affected.

Onna, just outside L'Aquila (in Abruzzo), was completely destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 6 April. According to the most recent reports, 50 of the just under 300 inhabitants died in the earthquake.