Prodi Survives Parcel Bomb Attack
- Author: BBC
- Publish date:27/12/2003
- Section:WORLD HEADLINES
European Commission President Romano Prodi is unhurt after a letter bomb attack on his home in Bologna in northern Italy, his spokesman has said.
The parcel, sent as a 'Christmas' gift a few days ago, burst into flames when Mr Prodi tried to open it on Saturday, Marco Vignudelli said.
But he added that Prodi had not been hurt and there had been little damage from the bomb.
Firemen and police were quickly on the scene and are investigating.
The EC president, who lives in Brussels, was in the northern Italian city for the holidays.
**Two earlier blasts***
On 22 December two small bombs exploded in rubbish bins near Mr Prodi's home, also without harming anyone.
A previously unknown anarchist group, calling itself the Informal Anarchic Federation, said it had planted the devices.
The latest bomb was hidden in a copy of a book by the Italian author Gabriele D'Annunzio.
Mr Vignudelli said it was unclear who had sent it.
Italy's president, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi both phoned Mr Prodi to offer their solidarity following the attack.
Mr Prodi's spell as president of the European Commission ends next year.
He is expected to return to Rome to take charge of Italy's centre-left coalition and challenge Mr Berlusconi in the country's next general election.
**PHOTO CAPTION***
European Union Commission President Romano Prodi is surrounded by police officers as he talks to reporters outside his house in Bologna, northern Italy, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003. (AP Photo/Renato Ferrini)