(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 12 - In the Memorial Day honouring fallen military personnel and civilians operating in international peace missions on Tuesday President Sergio Mattarella paid homage to those who died for Italy, peace and international cooperation.
    "The thought goes to those who, animated by a deep sense of duty, devotion and courage, gave their lives for Italy and the values of peace and international cooperation", said the president.
    And Mattarella paid homage to the 19 Italians who died on November 12, 2003 in the attack on an Italian base in Nassiriya, southern Iraq.
    He honoured the memory of the Italians who lost their lives "in that horrible act of violence, together with the Iraqis who shared the same tragic fate, and with them, that of all the fallen in international missions".
    The suicide attack killed 28 people, including the 19 Italians - 12 Carabinieri officers, five soldiers and two civilians.
    Premier Giorgia Meloni also paid homage to the Italian victims of Nassiriya, describing it as "a terrible attack that will always remain etched on our memory". "In this day of remembrance and commotion, our gratitude goes to those who sacrificed life while fulfilling their duty, together with the gratitude of the entire Italian government, first of all mine, to the women and men of the armed forces who, also deployed in the most difficult areas, operate every day to build peace with dedication, a deep sense of humanity and love of country.
    "Italy doesn't forget", said Meloni. (ANSA).