Heard in the Hive

THE close links between Malta and Italy are bound to become even closer now that the island has joined the European Union, of which Italy is a founder-member.

This was a theme common to the speeches delivered by President Fenech Adami and Italian Ambassador Alvise Memmo last Wednesday at the annual reception celebrating Italy's National Day, the anniversary of the referendum on June 2, 1946, which led to the proclamation of the Republic.

The reception, which was attended by hundreds of guests led by President and Mrs Fenech Adami, was held in the lovely gardens of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar.

The guests included the Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, the Archbishop, Mgr Joseph Mercieca, Cabinet ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, the Chief Justice and members of the Judiciary, members of the 50-strong Italian military mission resplendent in their uniforms, Italian nationals resident in Malta, members of the business community, academics, media and arts personalities, and others.

They were greeted by Ambassador Memmo, by First Secretary Dr Lucia Pattarino and by Dr Rosanna Cravenna, director of the Italian Cultural Institute, who will soon be leaving Malta at the end of her term.

Speaking in Italian, Dr Memmo said the 12 months since last year's National Day were eventful indeed. A definite milestone was reached on May 1, when Malta joined the European Union.

There was the invasion and the war in Iraq, and the Ambassador said he hoped the EU would use its full powers to bring about a peaceful aftermath, and play a greater role on the world stage. The finalisation of the EU Constitutional treaty would be dealt with at the June 17-18 summit in Ireland.

Dr Memmo said that terrorism represents the greatest challenge to Europe in the last 50 years. The EU's role now is to play its full part in bringing peace to the Middle East and thus avoid the threat to stability in the Mediterranean.

In all this Malta and Italy were united. The centuries-old links between the two countries have now been strengthened with Malta's EU accession. The state visit to Italy by President de Marco last January, the signing of the fifth Italo-Maltese financial protocol and the redefining of the role of the Italian military mission, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary in Malta, showed how the excellent bilateral relations were being strengthened further. Besides, trade links, cultural exchanges, youth programmes, school exchanges and Italian language scholarships to Maltese, have continued to flourish.

Ambassador Memmo then delivered a few words in Maltese, before proposing a toast to President and Mrs Fenech Adami, to Malta's prosperity, Italo-Maltese friendship, and to Europe.

Replying to the toast in English, President Fenech Adami recalled Italy's successful post-war efforts at reconstruction and the restoration of democracy. Italy in fact became a vibrant democracy and embarked on the road to prosperity and economic success.

What struck him, however, was that Italy never shied away from its international responsibilities: it was a founder member of NATO and the European Economic Community, and contributed to peacekeeping missions in various parts of the world; it faced up to the very serious threat from the Red Brigades and international terrorism. Italy has shown us how a country should behave in international and internal affairs, he said.

The strong ties Malta had with Italy are bound to get stronger inside the EU, leading to greater prosperity for the island and a bigger voice in international fora. The five financial protocols with Italy had contributed greatly to Malta's development. Indeed, Dr Fenech Adami said, every time Malta sought assistance from Italy, it was always forthcoming. This was particularly true of the consistent support the island received from Italy in its EU membership bid. After all, the founding fathers of democratic Italy were the founding fathers of Europe.

The President said he hoped that, in a few months' time, the heads of government of all 25 EU states would meet in Rome to sign the EU Constitution.

He ended by proposing a toast in Italian to President Azeglio Ciampi and to Italo-Maltese friendship.

The two national anthems were then played.

Bongiovanni - Sperandeo

Married on April 25 at Mosta parish church were Etienne Sperandeo, son of William and Mary Sperandeo of Mosta, and Stephanie Bongiovanni, daughter of Connie and Tony Bongiovanni of Mosta.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Roy Galdes, Fr Ugolino Xerri and Fr Salv Borg.

The bride's aunt Jane Bugelli and the groom's uncle, Raymond Vella, acted as witnesses, while Josef Grixti carried out the duties of best man.

The bride was attended by her nephew Christian Micallef and nieces Stacey, Shirley and Chelsea Barton, and the groom's sister Melissa Sperandeo. The groom's brothers Jonathan and Luca and the bride's nephews Philip Micallef and Dylan Barton were pageboys.

A reception was later held at The Victoria Hotel, Sliema.

Magri - Galea

Married on May 2 at St Aloysius College, Birkirkara, were Rodney G. Galea, son of George and Gina Galea of Birzebbuga, and Danika Magri, daughter of Norman and Antoinette Magri of Zabbar.

Nuptial Mass was celebrated by Fr Charles Cordina.

The bride's brother Etienne Magri, BE&A (Hons), and the groom's sister Gail Jones acted as witnesses, while Dione Sghendo carried out the duties of best man. The bride's sister in-law Margaret Magri was matron of honour.

The bride wore an ivory satin hand-beaded gown with a matching pearl tiara and hand-embroidered veil, all designed and made by her mother.

A reception was later held at Villa Marija in Rabat.

Young artists perform at Palazzo De La Salle

A concert was recently held by a number of students studying under the tuition of Anna Cassar, ATCL, and Maria Louise Galea, ATCL, at Palazzo De La Salle in Valletta.

During the two-hour performance, pianists from preliminary level to grade 8, as well as violinists and clarinetists were given the opportunity to show off their talent, with the participation of the Santa Margherita Choir.

The concert also included performances by classical and contemporary composers as well as a medley of popular Maltese folk songs.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements June 7-13

Tuesday
10 a.m. The President receives a group of students from the Institute of Physical Education and Sports of the University of Malta at the Palace, Valletta.
11.30 The President is interviewed by Ms Kana Ono for Tokyo Broadcasting Systems.
Noon The President presides over the swearing-in ceremony of Magistrate Michael Mallia as president of the tribunal for the Investigation of Injustices.
6 p.m. The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Wednesday
9.30 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami visits residents of the Mosta Government Home for the Elderly.
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner and Mrs Fean on the occasion of the Birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II at their residence in San Pawl tat-Targa.

Thursday
10 a.m. The President is presented with credentials by Mrs Victoria Guardia de Hernandez, Ambassador of Costa Rica, at the Palace, Valletta.
10.30 The President receives Mr Richard Muscat, Ambassador of Malta to Ireland.
11.15 The President is presented with credentials by Mr Anastassis Mitsialis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic.
1.15 for 1.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami host an official luncheon in honour of the newly accredited ambassadors of Costa Rica and Greece at San Anton Palace.
8 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation and Mrs Vlasova on the occasion of the Russian National Day at their residence in Kappara.

Friday
10 a.m. The President receives the mayor and councillors of St Venera accompanied by residents at the Palace, Valletta.
10.45 The President receives the president and committee members of the Malta Diabetes Association.
11.30 The President receives Mr Raymond Beschara, Malta's honorary consul in Beirut.
Noon The President receives Professor Jurg Gabriel, director of the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, accompanied by Dr Stephen Calleya, deputy director.

Saturday
10 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami cast their vote in the European Union Parliamentary election at Anthony Valletta Primary School, Birkirkara.

For your diary

Caritas is holding a day at the Corinthia San Gorg, St Julian's, on Wednesday. The programme includes a talk by Romina Grech on antiques. For more information contact Marilouise Mifsud (2133-0471), Mary Darmanin Demajo (2131-3486), Josephine Farrugia (2132-0016) or Phyllis Ciappara (2134-2910).

The International Wives Association is holding a swop-shop at Dar l-Emigrant, Valletta, on Wednesday from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m.

The Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims (SICEC) is organising an activity entitled Does ESP really work? at the Youth Travel Circle, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on Thursday. Martin Baron will conduct a series of experiments with Zenner cards. Protocol will be monitored by Timmy Zammit and Vanni Pulè.

The Ladies International Society will be holding its summer lunch at Waterfront Hotel, Gzira, on Thursday. For bookings phone Dorothy Cassar on 2144-2075

A picnic at Dingli Cliffs is being organised by the Singles Social Circle on Sunday. The group leaves the radar dome at 11.30 a.m. For more information phone 2142-1337, 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.

The Dominican Sisters are holding their annual bazaar at their convent in 49, Main Street, Naxxar, from June 20 to 30, from 8.30 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m.