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The Italian President expressed his deep sympathy for the huge loss of human life in South Ossetia and asked Mr Medvedev to convey his condolences to all who lost their loved ones during the recent tragic events. He also spoke of Italy's readiness to provide any humanitarian aid and assistance that was necessary.

Dmitry Medvedev expressed his appreciation for the heartfelt words of sympathy and offer of assistance. Outlining what has taken place, the President of Russia spoke of the measures taken to deal with the humanitarian catastrophe, the direct consequence of the barbaric aggression of the Georgian leadership against civilians and peacekeepers.

Giorgio Napolitano praised the principles for resolving the conflicts agreed to by the presidents of Russia and France on 12 August 2008 in Moscow, noting the support that they had received at a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

The President of Russia stressed the constructive role played by the President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, whose country currently holds the presidency of the EU, and his team to work out principles that will help in terms of moving towards normalising the situation and a subsequent settlement.

Dmitry Medvedev informed Giorgio Napolitano that today in Moscow the leaders of South Ossetia and Abkhazia signed a document containing the principles for resolving the conflicts. Dmitry Medvedev stressed that now it is necessary that the Georgian side sign the document, thereby demonstrating its real support for these principles and not just paying lip service to them. After that, the EU, OSCE and Russia will attach their signatures.

Giorgio Napolitano expressed his hope that implementation of these principles would achieve a genuine and lasting settlement in the region.

The heads of state agreed to continue regular contacts.

The conversation was held at the initiative of the Italian side.