President sends message of condolence

President Hu Jintao yesterday sent a message of condolence to his Italian counterpart Giorgio Napolitano, mourning the heavy loss of life and property in the devastating earthquake that struck central Italy on Monday.

Hu expressed condolences to the families of the dead, and those affected by the earthquake.

Top legislator Wu Bangguo sent a similar message to Italian Senate Speaker Renato Schifani and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Gianfranco Fini; and Premier Wen Jiabao to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Xinhua reported.