The Libyan Ambassador, Ali Nagem, yesterday week hosted a reception at the Libyan People's Bureau, Dar il-Jamahiriyah, in Balzan, to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Great El-Fateh Revolution of September 1, 1969, which overthrew the monarchy.

As usual, this annual reception, which marks the revolution led by the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, was attended by hundreds of guests headed by President Guido de Marco.

Also present were the Prime Minister, Archbishop Mercieca, Mr Speaker Anton Tabone, Cabinet ministers, Opposition leader Alfred Sant, members of the diplomatic corps, businessmen, and representatives of "every sector of Maltese society", as Mr Nagem put it, besides many of the Libyan community in Malta and their families.

Before the formal speeches, a Libyan folk group provided entertainment, while as they went in guests could also admire 31-year-old disabled Libyan artist Zahra Bibas producing some wonderful paintings using her mouth (she also uses her feet). The artist had just held a six-day exhibition of 32 works in various media at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel in St Julian's.

Before making his address, Libyan People's Bureau Secretary Ali Nagem, speaking in Maltese, thanked all Maltese guests for attending. The presence of Maltese leaders, whom he thanked in particular, and of representatives of all sectors of local society underlined the strength of Libyan-Maltese relations, he said.

Making his address in Arabic (of which an English translation was then read), Mr Nagem referred to the achievements of the Libyan revolution, which had turned a backward, insignificant country ridden with poverty, ignorance and disease into a stable country enjoying affluence and prosperity at all levels, a country that "contributed to the enhance of stability in neighbouring countries".

He underlined the Jamahiriya's "clear and forceful stand against the dreadful episodes of violence" around the world, reiterating the need to avoid resorting to violence in order to solve international problems.

Mr Nagem referred to a recent speech by Colonel Gaddafi warning that a strike against Iraq would be a calamity to the region and to the entire world, and would "support the argument of the fanatics and give credibility to the claims of Bin Laden and the Taliban that the West wants to wipe out Arabs and Muslims".

He added that the Libyan leader will shortly be proposing, within the newly set up African Union, a radical solution to the Palestinian problem. This was another example of Libya's ongoing efforts to enhance stability and peace around the world, complementing its successful attempts to bring about the setting up of the African Union.

Referring to Libyan-Maltese relations, Mr Nagem said that despite "some superficial differences and some erroneous practices by a limited number of individuals", these continue to be solid and indeed grow stronger. More agreements were signed between the two countries recently, including one on the extradition of convicted persons - the first of its kind which Malta signed with a North African country. Other agreements will be signed which will further enhance bilateral relations.

Mr Nagem said his country intended to expand investment possibilities by individuals, while new projects will be started. By the end of this year, the Libyan Arab Cultural Centre will have new premises, Gaddafi Gardens will be developed, and more Libyan trainees and students will be enrolling in Maltese institutions.

In his last visit to Malta, the Secretary of the Libyan General People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Co-operation proposed the setting up of a Libyan Maltese Academy to promote the two countries' literature, arts and science to promote cultural understanding and thus bring the two peoples closer together.

In his reply, President de Marco, speaking in Maltese and later in English, said that in his recent visit Libyan Minister Shalgam said there were so many things which bound Malta and Libya together that it was more correct to speak of relations between the two peoples rather just those at the political level. Indeed, President de Marco added, development was based on relations between peoples. May these friendly Libyan-Maltese relations continue.

President de Marco recalled that last year's reception was held on September 11, a few hours after the terrorist attack on New York's Twin Towers. In his address then, he had said that this attack would create a difficult situation. In this last year, the world has realised that terrorism has to be dealt with by all as an act against humanity, and that the use of violence against innocent people has to be condemned without reservation by all civilised countries.

The principles of international legality have to be at the basis of international action against terrorism, which must always be taken within the ambit of the United Nations charter.

President de Marco welcomed the establishment of the Libyan-Maltese Academy as a way of further strengthening relations between the two peoples.

He ended by auguring peace and prosperity to the Libyan leader and to the Libyan people.

The President then joined Ambassador Nagem and Dr Fenech Adami in cutting a commemorative cake.

Coca-Cola gives away gold to mark 50th anniversary!

The Coca-Cola competition on the 30cl bottles, held this summer in collaboration with Vodafone Malta Ltd, to mark the 50th anniversary of Coca-Cola being bottled in Malta, came to a close with the 13th and final winner being given one kilo of gold, following the last draw held on September 2.

During a presentation ceremony held at Vodafone's Marsa office on September 5, lucky winner Ludwig Camilleri was handed over this exclusive prize of a kilo of gold crafted in a Coca-Cola bottle.

The competition was organised by General Soft Drinks Co Ltd and Vodafone Malta Ltd.

"This competition was the result of the association of two prestigious international brands backed by the confidence hundreds of thousands of Maltese customers have shown in these leading companies over the year," Ms Micallef said.

"This, together with the extremely attractive prizes, has definitely triggered the right response from loyal customers of both companies," Nadya Borg-Busuttil, marketing communications manager at Vodafone Malta Ltd, added.

During the presentation, an additional four winners of the competition's fifth and sixth draws, Mario Agius, Reuben Fenech, Claire Cacciatolo and Rita Magri, were also presented with their trips to the Grand Prix between September 13 and 17. This 12-week competition was on between June 10 and August 30 and a total 12 people won a fabulous trip.

The trips include return flights to Milan, courtesy of Britannia Tours, four nights at the three-star Hotel Victoria au Lac in Lugano, Switzerland, airport transfers, transfers to the Monza Formula 1 circuit, admission tickets both for yesterday's pole position and the actual race today. The trip also includes the services of a group leader.

A draw was held on a fortnightly basis at General Soft Drinks Co Ltd. under the supervision of the Public Lotto Department (DPL. 60/02).

Ms Borg Busuttil, and representatives of the competition's sponsors, Lee Satariano of Gaba Diamonds and Noel Farrugia of Britannia Tours also attended the final presentation ceremony.

Attard - Zerafa

Married recently at St Dominic's church, Rabat, were Connie Frances Attard, daughter of Mrs Candelaria Attard, née Reyes, and the late Mr Joseph Attard of Tal-Virtù, Rabat, and Adrian Zerafa, son of Mr and Mrs Paul Zerafa of Birkirkara.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Hugo Cremona, OP, assisted by Fr Paul Cardona and Fr Guido Schembri. Mr Charles Attard and Mr Philip Camilleri witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Mark Zerafa was best man.

The bride, who was given away by Mr Augusto Reyes, wore a French lace and satin wedding dress. She was attended by Ms Maria Pia Attard as maid of honour. Ms Claire Attard, Ms Mary Anne Reyes and Ms Lourdes Zerafa were bridesmaids. Miss Amanda Darmanin and Master Luca Attard were flower-girl and pageboy respectively.

A reception was later held at the Coastline Hotel, Salina Bay.

The couple spent their honeymoon in France.

Bowman - Tagliaferro

The marriage took place recently at St Lawrence's parish church, Vittoriosa, between Elizabeth Mary Bowman, daughter of Mr and Mrs Adrian and Pauline Bowman of Vittoriosa, and Edward William Tagliaferro, son of Mr and Mrs Edward and Anita Tagliaferro of Paola.

Nuptial Mass was concelebrated by Rev Dr John Avellino and Canon Joseph Caruana. The ceremony was witnessed by the bride's brother, Frederick Lawrence, and the groom's brother, Mark Anthony. The duties of best men were performed by Mr John Stroud and Mr Charles Stroud.

The bride was attended by her sister Joanna.

A reception was later held at Villa Overhills, Birzebbuga.

The couple are spending their honeymoon on a Mediterranean cruise.

Bianchi - Calleya

Married recently at Our Lady of Fatima parish church, Guardamangia, were Fleur Bianchi, daughter of Mr and Mrs Anthony Bianchi of Pietà, and Dr Stephen Calleya, B.Ed (Hons), MA, Ph.D (Warwick), son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Calleya of Mellieha.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Camilleri, OP, and Fr Gwann Frendo, OP. Mr Censu Galea, Minister of Transport and Communications, a close friend of the groom, and Claire de Leo, the bride's best friend, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Peter Calleya, the groom's brother, was best man.

The bride was attended by her friend Stefanie Mercieca, as maid of honour. Dylan de Leo was pageboy and Kimberley Camilleri, the groom's niece, was flower-girl.

A reception was later held at Villa Mdina, Naxxar.

The couple are spending their honeymoon in Florida, on a Caribbean cruise, and Toronto, Canada.

Grech - Bilocca

Married recently at Ta' l-Ibrag parish church were Amanda Grech, daughter of Mr and Mrs Anthony Grech of Sliema, and Jesmar Bilocca, son of Mr and Mrs Gaetano Bilocca of Hamrun.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Victor Enriquez. Mr Gaetano Bilocca, the groom's father, and Ms Marion Camilleri, the bride's cousin, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Mr Michael Sultana was best man.

The bride was attended by Bernice and Wilfred Asare, who were flower-girl and ring-bearer respectively.

A reception was later held at Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar.

The couple spent their honeymoon on a Sandals holiday in Jamaica.

Mdina wedding

The marriage recently took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral, Mdina, between Dorianne Zammit, daughter of Mr and Mrs Emanuel R. and Lucia Zammit of Swieqi, and Robert Spiteri, son of Mr and Mrs George and Marlene Spiteri of Gharghur.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Mgr Professor Annetto Depasquale, BA, Lic/D, JCD, Titular Bishop of Aradi and Auxiliary Bishop of Malta. Fr Mudest Gatt, the groom's uncle, and Fr Stefan Attard concelebrated.

The bride's gown was exclusively designed and made by her uncle, Ray Ashley, who witnessed the wedding ceremony, together with Mr David Spiteri, the groom's brother. Mr Kevin Zammit, B.Ed, carried out the duties of best man.

The bride was attended by Eleonor Bartolo, the groom's sister. Ms Maria Spiteri and Ms Chantelle Zammit were bridesmaids. Master Daniel Spiteri and Master Julian Zammit were pageboys. Miss Kristina Bartolo was flower-girl.

A reception was later held at The Palms, St Julian's.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Orlando and on a Western Caribbean cruise.

Gozo wedding

The marriage was recently held at the Cathedral church, Victoria, Gozo, between Simone Grech, B.Educ (Hons), daughter of Mr and Mrs Felix Grech of Victoria, and Sherin Schembri, BE&A (Hons), A&CE, son of Mr and Mrs Mario Schembri, of Nadur.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Mgr Joe Vella Gauci, Fr Joe Calleja and Fr Vince Pavia. The bride's cousin, Maria Muscat, and the groom's cousin, Robert Borg, witnessed the wedding ceremony. Omar Schembri was best man.

The bride, who wore an ivory organza and Dentelle de Calais gown, with a veil held in place by a ganutel headdress, also wore an antique gold necklace, a gift from the groom. She was attended by her sister, Miriam Grech and Ms Charlene Mintoff, the groom's cousin, as bridesmaids. Naomi Mintoff and Matthew Galea were flower-girl and pageboy respectively. Patrick Schembri, the groom's brother, was ring-bearer.

A reception was later held at Ta' Frenc, Marsalforn.

The couple spent their honeymoon in Italy, Austria, Germany Switzerland and France.

Sofia wedding

The marriage took place recently at St Nedelya church in Sofia, Bulgaria, between Petia Petrova, M.Sc (Econ) Logistics, daughter of the late Peter and Mrs R. Petrova of Sofia, and Karl Chetcuti, son of the late Godwin and Mrs A. Chetcuti of Paola.

The wedding ceremony was celebrated in the Christian Orthodox way by Fr Tosko Kazakin. Ms Valentina Dishlyakova and Mr Stephen Borg Millo witnessed the wedding ceremony.

The bride was attended by her niece, Ms Adelina Djeneva.

The ceremony was followed by dinner, served at the Sky Plaza Restaurant in Sofia.

The couple also celebrated their wedding in Malta. Mgr George Deguara celebrated Mass, to bless their wedding, at the Risen Lord church in Pembroke.

A reception was later held at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel.

A memorable reunion

Reunions are always special and when they occur after 50 years, they are even more memorable.

This was experienced by the majority of the Fifth Formers of Valletta Girls' Secondary School (Year 1952), who met again on July 25 to celebrate this occasion.

Fr S. Caruana of Zebbug celebrated Mass at St Paul's Shipwreck chapel in St Paul's Bay. Departed colleagues and teachers were remembered with a special prayer.

Later, the group enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Gillieru Restaurant. The atmosphere was characterised by laughter, recollections of the school days and emotions, especially when e-mails and letters from schoolmates now residing abroad, were read out.

The celebration came to an end when a memento was given out as a souvenir. Finally, the youngest of the class, who incidentally is the wife of the owner of the Gillieru Restaurant, entertained the group with poetry written for the occasion.

It was unanimously agreed that "remembrance was a paradise which they were privileged to have entered."

People

Amanda Vella Laurenti, 23, Istd, Arad, of Sliema, will be taking up a full-time teaching post in classical ballet and jazz at the renowned Vacani School of Dancing in central London. Amanda was, until recently, a teacher at the College of Jazz Dance in San Gwann.

She was trained under the supervision of Ms Daphne Lungaro, Ms Joanna Vella and Ms Alison Bird. Amanda received further training at the College of Jazz Dance, run by Felix Busuttil and Justin Roy Barker, and in 1998 was awarded a scholarship at the London Studio Centre.

The Vacani School of Dancing has serveral branches all over London and has as its principals, Ms Elfrida Eden and Ms Mary Stassinopoulos.

Amanda is the daughter of Dr and Mrs Richard Vella Laurenti.

Andrew Abela recently received his doctorate in Business Admistration from the Darden Business School, University of Virginia.

His dissertation title was "When a brand is a promise: building firm credibility by integrating strategic and ethical aspects of brand management".

He has now been appointed Assistant Professor of Marketing at Catholic University of America in Washington DC, Department of Business and Economics.

Andrew was born in Malta and was educated at De La Salle College, Cottonera.

He now lives in Virginia with his wife Kathleen and three children.

He is the son of Edward and Christine Abela of Toronto, Canada.

Radiologists celebrate

August 14 was a red letter day for the doctors practising radiology in Malta. The Maltese Radiological Society was officially launched during a memorable evening. In a short introductory speech, Dr Salvina Zrinzo, president of the society, explained that the principal objective of the MRS is to promote the highest standards of medical imaging in our country.

Dr William Cassar Torreggiani, consultant radiologist at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital in Dublin, delivered an amply illustrated talk on magnetic resonance imaging of the knee. An interesting discussion ensued.

This was followed by a sumptuous and most enjoyable dinner in one of the leading hotels.

Gasan Group launches Employee Privilege Card at summer barbecue

The annual Gasan Group Summer staff barbecue held at Paradise Bay marked the launch of the Gasan Employee Privilege Card. The event was hosted by Mr J.A. Gasan, who treated all Group employees to a barbecue, featuring top local talent, as well as talent from within the Group itself!

This annual event serves as a gesture of appreciation to the staff for all the hard work put into each company. In his customary speech, Joseph A. Gasan thanked all employees for their effort and strong commitment to the success of the Gasan Group.

The Gasan Employee Privilege Card was offered to all employees as a sign of appreciation for the loyalty and hard work that each staff member has shown towards the Group throughout its many years of success. This service, a privilege and discount card, will allow all the Gasan Group staff to purchase goods and services offered by the various Group companies at extremely favourable rates, as well as to enjoy a range of discounts at various leading retail outlets, hotels and companies from the service industry.

As master of ceremonies, DJ Planet Dave led those who attended through an evening of fun featuring Malta's top local talent, Fabrizio Faniello and Ira Losco. The Gasan Group boasted its own inside talent too, with two engineers from Mekanika Ltd performing a breakdance routine and a live rendition of an Indian song.

For your diary

A reunion of the Convent of the Sacred Heart of 1992 is being held at the Westin Dragonara Resort on Friday.

For more information, call Joanna Mifsud (tel: 2148-5000 or 7980-7676), Isabel Depasquale (7941-4739), Nicky Psaila (7933-7427) or Christiane Borg Manché (9942-4475). Those attending must confirm by Friday.

Yana (You Are Not Alone) is meeting on Friday at 9 p.m. at the piano bar of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sliema. A visit to Frenchies will follow.

All past and present members of the Hamrun Folkmass Group (St Cajetan prish) are cordially invited, together with their families, to a reunion which will be held on Sunday at 10.30 a.m., near the church of Our Lady of Loreto, l/o Gudja (road alongside MIA runway). Participants are expected to be punctual.

Mgr Joseph Pace and Fr Noel Grima will concelebrate Mass at 11.30 a.m. at the same church. Afterwards, the group will proceed to the airport for lunch at the Gateway Diner. Further information may be obtained from Ms Marianne Testa née Cordina on 2165-5585 daily between 4 and 7 p.m. Reservations for lunch will not be accepted after Wednesday

Ward u ûgóar is going on a weekend break to Gozo on Saturday and Sunday. The group will visit Casa San Giuseppe in Ghajnsielem.

Adults pay Lm5.50, including bed and breakfast and an evening meal, children under 12 pay Lm2.50 and children aged up to 14 pay Lm3. A Lm1 deposit, which must be paid when booking, is refundable. Bookings must be made with Josienne, Marisa or Doreen until Wednesday.

Lions Club La Valletta is holding a Maltese Night in aid of Razzett tal-Hbiberija, on Friday, September 27, at 8 for 8.30 p.m. Children under 10 pay Lm3.50; members of youth organisations Lm5; adults Lm7.50. Entertainment will be provided.

For more information, phone Noel Vella on 2132-3513; Joseph Hersey (2133-4806); Odile Attard (2141-5311); Adrian Genovese (9942-9293); George Coppini (2133-0597) and Razzett tal-Hbiberija (2163-6526).

Easy Life offices inaugurated

Roberto Da Crema, the popular TV presenter of Media Set and other Italian stations, was recently in Malta for the inauguration of the offices of Easy Life Services Co Ltd, sub agents of Direct S.r.l, an Italian company, owned by Da Crema.

The company also does direct selling on television for Fat Blockers, Super Wrench, Viva Voce, Pierre D'Argent, Titanium, Nuvola Steam Cleaner, Merino Blankets, Pots and Pans, Rapid Grill and other renowned products.

Mr Da Crema, together with Noel and Peter Caruana, directors of the local company, welcomed the distinguished guests both from the local and Italian business scenes and emphasised the good relationship between the two companies.

He said all the products offered by his company were of the highest quality and that Easy Life Services was created with one aim in mind - to launch products that will make life easier for everyone.

The President's and Mrs de Marco's engagements - September 16-22

Tomorrow
1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs de Marco arrive at Malta International Airport.
6 The President presides over the presentation ceremony to Maltese charitable institutions by the American Foundation for Maltese Charities at San Anton Palace.

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives a group of journalists from Copenhagen at the Palace, Valletta.
11 The President receives the president and committee members of the Malta Chamber of Pharmacists at the Palace.

Wednesday
11 a.m. The President views the restoration works being carried out in the Neptunes Courtyard at the Palace, Valletta.

Thursday
9.15 a.m The President receives the Prime Minister at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President is presented with the Letters of Commission by Vincent Fean, British High Commissioner, at the Palace.
11.20 The President is presented with the Letters of Credence by Fatma El Zahraa Ibrahim Othman, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, at the Palace.
12.10 p.m. The President is presented with the Letters of Credence by Abdulal Sulaiman Al-Qenaei, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait, at the Palace.
1.45 The President and Mrs de Marco host a luncheon in honour of the newly accredited British High Commissioner, and the Ambassadors of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Kuwait at San Anton Palace.

Friday
11 a.m. The President and Mrs de Marco present donations on behalf of the Malta Community Chest Fund to various charitable institutions at the Palace, Valletta.
7.30 p.m. The President inaugurates an exhibition of silverpoint drawings by Viktor Koulbak at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs de Marco attend a pontifical Mass on the occasion of Independence Day at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.
11.30 The President presides over the ceremony awarding honorary consuls general and honorary consuls with the National Order of Merit at the Palace.
Noon The President lays a bouquet of flowers at the Independence Monument, Floriana.

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