"The Day of Remembrance dedicated to the Fallen, military and civilian, in international peacekeeping missions, falls on the 20th anniversary of the Nassiriya massacre, where, due to a cowardly attack, 19 Italian soldiers, carabinieri and civilians died. The sentiment of mourning accompanies us on this day when the Republic turns its thoughts to the many wounded and fallen in the missions that Italy has developed in recent years in the service of the international community and the rights of peoples, together with the expression of solidarity and closeness to the affected families". These are the words of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Nassirya Massacre. "The participation in these important operations in so many troubled regions of the world is a sign of our country's commitment and contribution to the concrete effort of the international community to combat the horrors and atrocities of wars and terrorism," Mattarella added. "The contingents deployed and the collaborations carried out under the aegis of the United Nations, the European Union and NATO testify to the intent to defend the values of peace and cooperation, of respect for the dignity of people and peoples. To those who are engaged today in crisis zones, putting their safety at risk in the name of the noble principles enshrined in our Constitutional Charter, goes the appreciation and gratitude of all Italians," the Head of State concluded.
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