Such stuff as dreams are made of?

During a lecture entitled ‘The Mediterranean dilemma: a bridge or a great divide?’ which he delivered at yhe Vienna Diplomatic Academy on March 6, 2007, Guido de Marco said: “What is hindering the Mediterranean from realising itself? What is keeping Europe from advancing its geo-unitary vision of the Mediterranean? What is preventing the Arab nation from investing in this geo-unitary and geo-economic approach?”

The vision he imparted in that lecture could inspire the foreign policy of all Mediterranean nations.

During that lecture, Prof. de Marco made a most valid proposal: “Just as we have the Charlemagne Prize for those who distinguish themselves in European unity, so should we establish an Averroes Prize for those who promote unity and dialogue in the Mediterranean.”

I think the Maltese government should promote the late President’s proposal. It would be one small gesture of recognition towards this patriot, whose loss we sincerely mourn.

When Prof. de Marco’s death was announced, I was shocked and terribly saddened at the news. For many reasons, not least because the book I am publishing in the UK, for which he had kindly written an introduction, will be out only in a matter of weeks.

I had so much looked forward to giving him a copy with a dedication, not only as a token of gratitude but also to reciprocate the dedication he had written on my copy of his Politics of Persuasion, which begins beautifully with “To my friend...”.

I believe he was a friend to many. And in this friendship he managed to unite so many who would otherwise have never been united on anything. In the lecture, he made his the words uttered by Ernest Renan: “A nation is born from the fact that peoples who live together have a lot to forget and a lot to forgive.”

It is up to us to make sure Prof. de Marco’s patriotic dream can live on to inspire leaders and followers alike.

May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family. The nation’s deepest sympathy is with them.