Joseph Cassar, Retired Ambassador, writes:
The recent demise of Ambassador Alfred Zarb brings to an end the long career of a highly-respected, resourceful and accomplished Maltese diplomat who, for half a century, was a bridge between generations of Maltese diplomats serving under different administrations.
It also means the loss of an important bridge between Malta and hundreds of foreign statesmen, high officials, diplomats and experts who specialised in Mediterranean issues.
Zarb was one of the first generation of officials to join Malta’s diplomatic service soon after the attainment of Independence.
Posted to the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, he was trained by the best, Malta’s first permanent representative to the UN, Arvid Pardo.
His experience at Malta’s representations to the United Nations in New York and Geneva gave him an understanding of the international negotiating process that he would later ably use in promoting Mediterranean issues.
Zarb knew well the potential and limitations of the organisations, systems and cooperative mechanisms related to the Mediterranean because he helped set up most of them. However, merely stating that he participated in their creation would be unfair, for Zarb was personally instrumental in overcoming obstacles that often threatened to bring such processes to a standstill.
His friendly demeanor, wide experience and respect for the concerns raised by other countries helped him win the confidence and trust of all delegations participating in different negotiations.
Skilled in drafting documents that soothed the concerns of all participating states while conserving the substance of what was being advanced, Zarb always aimed at commitments that were realistically feasible.
His belief in the force of dialogue in overcoming differences was as strong as his disapproval of the use of force in resolving international disputes.
Throughout the years he provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a unique institutional memory and a great ability in training diplomats.
For his gentlemanly character and his vast knowledge, Zarb will be truly missed by his friends and those who were honoured to work with him.
In conveying sincere condolences to his wife Therese, his children and their families, I am sure that in this moment of grief they are comforted by the knowledge that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”.