Former Italian president Francesco Cossiga passes away

In fact, the latest medical bulletin released by the doctors shortly after noon had warned that his clinical condition was “extremely grave” following “a sudden and drastic deterioration of the circulatory conditions which necessitated the re-instatement of all the vital support (measures)”.

The final blow to Cossiga’s chances of survival came with the speed of sepsis, a grave infection which attacks the lungs, leading to heart and breathing problems.

It was this “hunger for air” that had originally led to his hospitalisation eight days ago.

This deterioration in the former Italian President’s medical condition last night led to the re-population of the square in front of the Gemelli’s Emergency Department this morning with Cossiga’s friends, including the escort men as well as his closest assistants like Paolo Naccarto, a former undersecretary for the Prime Minister’s Office under the Prodi Government.

At Cossiga’s bedside there were his closest relatives, including his two children, Anna Maria and Giuseppe, currently serving as Italian undersecretary for Defence under the Berlusconi Government.

Cossiga, a staunch backer of the U.S. during the Cold War, was hospitalized on Aug. 9 after suffering from cardio-respiratory problems.