L’Aquila braced for G8 summit

The earthquake-ravaged Italian town of L’Aquila is getting ready for the G8 summit to roll into town.

When they arrive on Wednesday, leaders of the world’s richest nations will be shown earthquake evacuation drills should there be any aftershocks of more than magnitude four. One such tremor occured last Friday.

Italy’s Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi moved the summit from Sardinia as a show of solidarity for victims of the L’Aquila earthquake.

He has been criticised by some G8 officials for a less-than-thorough preparation of the summit’s agenda. Press rumours about escort girls also refuse to go away. He will be hoping a successful summit can rebuild his reputation as well as the homes and lives of L’Aquila’s residents.

Those still living in tents three months after the quake hope the presence of prime ministers and presidents can solve L’Aquila’s problems as well as those of the rest of the world.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: G8 Summit, Italy