Two injured in bomb explosions in Rome (Second Lead)

Rome, Dec 23 (IANS/AKI) A pair of bombs exploded Thursday at the Swiss and Chilean embassies in Rome injuring two people. Another bomb was found at the Ukrainian embassy.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks that may result in the loss of both hands of the 53-year-old Swiss embassy employee who opened a package containing the explosive device.

An official told AKI that the victim’s wounds were not life threatening.

“This is a deplorable act of violence that deserves our complete condemnation,” Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in an e-mailed statement, following the first explosion, which occurred at around noon local time at the Swiss embassy.

Col. Maurizio Mezzavilla, a commander for the Rome provincial police, described the wounds suffered by a worker at the Chilean embassy as “serious”. That device was hidden in a bag.

On Tuesday a device thought to be an explosive was found under a seat of a Rome subway car. Rome mayor Gianni Alemanno said the device was not capable of detonating.

Rome was rocked Dec 14 by violent protests against proposed reforms in the education system. Further demonstrations took place in the Italian capital Wednesday which proved to be more peaceful, even though the measure was passed on the same day by the country’s Senate.

–IANS/AKI