国际英语新闻：Two bomb explosions injure two at embassies in Rome

ROME, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Two bomb explosions respectively hit the Swiss and Chilean embassies in Rome Thursday, each injuring one person in the diplomatic missions, the ANSA news agency reported.

A package delivered to the Swiss embassy exploded and caused serious injury to a 53-year-old male employee of the embassy.

The employee, who had the risk of losing his left hand, was rushed to a hospital.

Shortly afterwards, a bomb exploded at the Chilean embassy, injuring another person.

An embassy employee, who opened a package, was wounded by the explosion, but the injury was not life-threatening.

Police have arrived at the embassies to make investigations.

Meanwhile, a suspect package was founded at the Ukrainian embassy in Rome, according to ANSA.

But Rome's police chief Francesco Tagliente soon said the package turned out to be a false alarm.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the explosions.

Italian police were conducting checks on all embassies and consulates in Rome after the incidents.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini expressed his condolences to the Swiss embassy: "We are fully sympathetic to the Swiss ambassador and to the entire Swiss diplomatic mission. The despicable act of violence deserves our strongest condemnation."

"I wish that the employee who was injured will have a full recovery as soon as possible," the minister said.

Another two bombs were also reported with anonymous phone calls on Thursday to be set at locations where public activities were being held in Rome.

However, subsequent investigations found out the two bomb threats were both false.

A suspected bomb was found Tuesday morning in the subway station Rebibbia of Rome. Pipes and gunpowder were found inside the object.

Later, Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno said the device may not explode as it lacked key components.