Roma (AsiaNews) The whole of Italy is rejoicing over the liberation of Simona Pari and Simona Torretta. Italian authorities expressed joy and relief as soon as confirmation came that the two young women abducted on September 7 were free.
Through his spokesman Joaquin Navarro, the Pope said that "it was with joy that he heard the news of the liberation of the two Italian aid workers. His thoughts are with their families and all people of good will. He praised the Lord for this gesture of humanity".
Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi phoned the families and thanked all those who played a role in freeing the two women.
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi expressed his great joy and thanked the leaders of the intelligence services, the deputy secretary to the Prime Minister's Office Gianni Letta and the Jordanian government for their role.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the opposition parties "who have followed and supported us" and who not only "showed great restrain" but who shared the same goals.
The news that the Italian aid workers were freed was received with joy outside of Italy as well. French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said he was pleased to know that the two Italian women were free and hoped that it would herald the liberation of French journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, who were abducted on August 20 on the Baghdad-Najaf road.