Monti: taxes could be suspended in quake zone

Premier Mario Monti said Tuesday that taxes may be suspended in the areas of Emilia-Romagna hit by Sunday's deadly earthquake as part of measures to help the region get back on its feet. "I've spoken to (Emilia-Romagna Governor Vasco) Errani about the possibility of suspending tax payments," Monti said during a visit to the area, which his government will declare to be in a state of emergency later on Tuesday. The quake, which killed seven people, caused massive damage to local industry and agriculture. Around 5,000 workers in the area of the cities of Modena and Ferrara were unable to clock in on Tuesday because their offices and factories are not fit for use.