Cassola honoured by Italy

The President of Italy Carlo Azeglio Ciampi has bestowed the decoration of Cavaliere del Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana to Alternattiva Demokratika's Arnold Cassola, Secretary of the Greens in the European Parliament.

The honour was given to Professor Cassola for his contribution to the enhancement of the cultural links between Malta and Italy.

Professor Cassola has taught at the university of Catania and Rome's La Sapienza and has lectured in other universities in Italy. He is the author of 18 books published in Malta and Italy.

A history of the Italian language in Malta is one of his most recent books.

The award will be conferred on Professor Cassola by Italian Ambassador Alvise Memmo on November 12.