Russian warship to call at Italian port

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MOSCOW/ROME, January 27,2009:The guided missile cruiser Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, will make an unofficial visit to the Italian port of Messina in Sicily on Tuesday, a Russian Navy spokesman said.

The visit is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Messina earthquake and Russia's participation in international relief efforts.

"The crew of the cruiser will participate in international memorial events related to the 100th anniversary of Russia's Baltic Fleet efforts to rescue citizens of Messina following a devastating earthquake," the spokesman said.

In addition to the Russian vessel, U.S., British, German, Spanish and Danish warships will take part in events to mark the anniversary of the Messina earthquake.

The Messina quake had an estimated magnitude 7.5 on the Richter scale and was followed by a tsunami that struck many coastal cities with 40-foot (12-meter) waves, causing more destruction. The earthquake and tsunami killed two-thirds of the city's then-150,000 population.

Russian and Italian sailors are to hold joint drills in the Strait of Messina on Friday, the spokesman added. (Courtesy:RIA Novosti)