No. 12 JUNE 2001

Edited by: ilvio Berlusconi's Government was voted The Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv S into office by Senate and Chamber of 'S NEW GOVERNMENT pg1 Deputies on 20-21 June, after the Italian general ITALIAN ASTRONAUT IS FIRST EUROPEAN ON SPACE elections on 13 May 2001 gave his "House STATION pg1 of Liberties" alliance a clear majority in both FOCUS ON SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ITALY pg2 Houses of Parliament. The House of Liberties NEW ITALIAN INITIATIVE TO ASSIST THE POOREST is a centre-right coalition including Berlusconi's COUNTRIES pg3 , National Alliance, Northern League, and the Christian Democratic group NEW HI-TECH PIRELLI LABS IN pg4 CCD-CDU. Italy's new Government comprises GROWTH IN EUROPE: OECD MORE OPTIMISTIC THAN THE IMF 23 Ministers, including five non-political pg4 personalities, entrusted with Foreign Affairs, Italy's Prime Minister SCIENTIFIC FLASH pg4 Education, Health, Infrastructure-Transport VINITALY pg5 and Technological Innovation. Deputy Prime For more information see: NEW ITALIAN SHIP IN SHARM EL SHEIK UNDER THE Minister is National Alliance's leader Gianfranco www.governo.it or www.palazzochigi.it. MULTINATIONAL FORCE FLAG pg6 Fini. There are 53 Undersecretaries. See at page 3 the list of Ministers. <> ITALIAN DEPUTY CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF VISITED pg7 ISRAEL pg6 EVENTS IN ISRAEL pg7 EVENTS IN ITALY pg7-8 ITALIAN ASTRONAUT IS FIRST Embassy of Italy 4, Weizman St. Tel Aviv Tel: 03-6964223 Fax: 03-6918428 EUROPEAN ON SPACE E-mail:[email protected] www.italian-embassy-israel.org The first European astronaut, Italian Umberto Guidoni, took off from Kennedy Space Center on the Space Shuttle Endeavour for The "Raffaello" is one of three MPLMs. Developed the International Space Station on April 19. The mission was the by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and built by Shuttle’s ninth visit to the Station. Alenia Aerospazio, it is the only module capable of delivering specially prepared racks of experiments uidoni returned to Earth supplies for the astronauts and to the Station. G on May 1, proud to have other equipment for future Each MPLM has been designed to perform 25 become the first European construction and maintenance missions over a ten-year life-span and will act astronaut to set foot on the work. as a kind of sophisticated 'removal van', delivering International Space Station. Guidoni was instrumental in the and returning crucial experimental payloads back Space Shuttle Endeavour made success of the mission taking and forth to Earth. a safe re-entry at Edwards Air control of all logistical operations With the delivery of some of the first experiments, Force Base after delivering the involved with the MPLM and the STS-100 mission opened a new chapter in European-developed "Raffaello" overseeing the unloading of all the story of the Space Station. "Most missions Multi-Purpose Pressurized the experiments and equipment have until now been exclusively involved in Logistics Module (MPLM) and onto the Station. construction. "Now the Station can at last begin attaching the Station's new 17 "It was a highly complicated and to be used for its intended research purposes," meter Canadian-designed robotic intensive task," said Guidoni, who said Guidoni. arm. spent nearly five years training for his trip to The International Space Station is being constructed The mission also delivered ten tons of equipment the Station. "I feel relieved that it all went so by the world's major space powers, including to the Station inside the MPLM, including six smoothly and very proud to have been the first Europe, represented by the European Space experiment racks and two storage racks for the astronaut to represent Europe on the Space Agency, the United States, Russia, Canada and US Destiny laboratory as well as a UHF antenna, Station". Japan.<>

1 Focus on Scientific Research in Italy THE ITALIAN INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR PHYSICS T he National Institute of Nuclear were the scene of important technological as well as strengthening its already remarkable Physics, set up in 1951, is the developments (in the construction of a international presence. superconducting cavity, in radiobiology and Some far-reaching programmes, started up in Italian body that promotes, co- in material science). recent years, dominate the 1999-2003 Plan: ordinates and carries out research the participation in the construction of detectors in the field of nuclear, elementary - Southern National Laboratories (Catania), for the LHC collider at CERN and the particles and fundamental interaction set up in 1975, specialise in nuclear physics construction of the VIRGO interferometer at physics as well as the technological with light and heavy ion beams. The laboratories Cascina near Pisa, for the detection and study are equipped with a Tandem accelerator and of gravitational waves, in co-operation with research necessary for such sectors. a modern superconducting cyclotron, entirely the French CNRS. There is also a new project, designed and constructed by the INFN and inspired by the most recent advances in the Organisation and Activity able to accelerate heavy ions to energy levels physics of neutrinos: the construction of a high of 100 MeV/nucleon. This has been operational energy neutrino beam, generated at CERN for The activities of the INFN are carried out by since 1994. observation at Gran Sasso, 700 km away (Long nineteen sections, set up in the departments of Baseline Neutrino Experiment). physics at a number of As regards the Laboratories of Frascati, Legnaro Italian universities, four and the South, the Plan envisages the intensive national laboratories, one exploitation of the recently completed machines, national centre in the context of widespread international co- (CNAF),eight groups operation, with a major international character. associated with sections At the same time, highly demanding R&D or laboratories, the central work has been undertaken in order to participate administration and the in programmes at present in preparation, and offices of the presidency. which will follow those set out in the present The research activity is plan, at both a European and a world level. carried out at the sections The following special projects are involved: and national laboratories "Techniques for electron acceleration" at LNF, where major equipment "SPES" at LNL, "EXCYT" at LNS. and infrastructures are located. The INFN Headquarters are in - Frascati National at the following address: Laboratories (Rome), set Gran Sasso Laboratory GALLEX up in 1959, specialise in elementary particle - Gran Sasso National Laboratories (L’Aquila) Piazza dei Caprettari,70 00186 Rome physics, which is mainly studied with electron have been in operation since 1988. Their large tel. 0039-06-6840.031 - positron collision rings. ADA, the first machine size and excellent rock cover make them the in the world of this type, and later ADONE, most important laboratory in the world for fax 0039-06-6830.7924 were designed and developed at Frascati. For research into the stability of matter, neutrinos www.infn.it <> some time ADONE was the only source of from the sun and other astrophysical synchrotron light in Italy. ADONE was closed sources, magnetic monopoles, cosmic in 1993 but in 1997 it was succeeded by the radiation as well as interdisciplinary very high luminosity storage ring, DAFNE. forms of research. In less than ten years Through the decay of the K mesons, produced Gran Sasso National Laboratories have in large numbers by DAFNE, it will be possible become the third largest European in the coming years to study important phenomena laboratory for particle physics (after regarding the violation of the matter - antimatter CERN and DESY), in terms of the symmetry. presence of researchers from the United States. The GALLEX experiment in - Legnaro National Laboratories (Padua), set 1992 was of great scientific importance: up in 1968 for the study of dynamics and the the first observation of neutrinos structure of atomic nuclei. The laboratories are originating in the hydrogen fusion equipped with a Tandem accelerator and, as reaction in the sun. from 1994, a linear accelerator, ALPI, based upon superconducting technology. From 1996 The 1999-2003 Plan the detector EUROBALL, an advanced instrument for the study of high-resolution In the past decade INFN has carried gamma-ray spectroscopy, used in a wide European out a far-reaching development collaborative context has been located there. programme for research structures In the course of the last decade, the laboratories located throughout the national territory, A prototype of BOREXINO

2 Silvio Berlusconi's Cabinet Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Leader of the House of Liberties Coalition and of Forza Italia Deputy Prime Minister Leader of National Alliance (AN) Home Affairs Forza Italia Foreign Affairs Independent, former Italian Diplomat and former Director General of the World Trade Organisation Economy (incorporating Treasury, Finance and Budget) Forza Italia Education Independent Defense Forza Italia Productive Activities (Industry and Trade) Forza Italia Environment National Alliance (AN) Justice Northern League Public Administration Forza Italia Infrastructure and Transport Independent Agricultural Policies Giovanni Alemanno National Alliance (AN) Labour and Social Welfare Northern League Cultural Heritage Forza Italia Communications National Alliance (AN) Health Independent Technological Innovation Independent Institutional Reforms and Devolution Leader of Northern League Relations with Parliament CCD-CDU (Christian Democrats) Regional Affairs Forza Italia Program Implementation Forza Italia Equal Opportunities Forza Italia Italians Abroad National Alliance (AN) European Union Policies CCD-CDU (Christian Democrats) NEW ITALIAN INITIATIVE TO ASSIST THE POOREST COUNTRIES he 1999 G7/G8 Summit in Cologne the conventional date distinguishing date" trade credits (not considered eligible T launched the "Enhanced HIPC Initiative" the debt that may be restructured from to ensure the sustainability of the medium for cancellation) to the 100% "post-cut- the debt which cannot be restructured), off-date" aid credits decided by the G7/G8 to long-term foreign debt of the low-income speeding up the implementation of the countries. It was open to all countries which, in Cologne (where an appeal was launched Initiative’s programme and strengthening to all bilateral lenders to do the same). Italy since they were eligible for highly concessional the linkage between the financial resources loans, had an "unsustainable debt". The is therefore ready to cancel about US$ 4.1 billion released by the debt cancellation and the national of HIPC debt, 70% of which is in trade credits and Italian Government which currently holds Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers - PRSPs. This the Presidency of G7/G8, decided unilaterally 30% in aid loans. new, more decisive Initiative was renamed the Italy’s commitment within - and beyond - the on April 3, 2001 to go even further and "enhanced HIPC Initiative". effectively complete the process of cancellation framework of the "enhanced HIPC Initiative" can of the foreign debt of HIPC countries. By Italy's Initiative be summarized as follows: placing Italy in the forefront of the fight - cancellation at the "decision point" of 100% (and Italy wants to complete the process of cancellation not 90%) of the debt service charges due in the against poverty, this initiative hopes to set of the foreign debt of HIPC countries, while, at the an example for the whole international "interim" period leading up to the "completion point" same time, increasing the financial resources released ( G7 communique’, February 17, 2001); community of bilateral creditors, both members from debt cancellation and using them in the fight and non-members of the Paris Club. - cancellation at the "completion point" of 100% against poverty in all respects, beginning with of the aid credits (ODA), not only "pre-cut-off-date" healthcare and education. Italy has therefore decided but also "post-cut-off-date" (Report and Communiqué The Enhanced HIPC Initiative to add the cancellation of 100% of "post-cut-off- of the G7 and the G8 in Cologne, June 20, 1999); The "HIPC (Heavily Indebted Poor Countries) cancellation at the "completion point" of 100% Initiative" was adopted in 1996 at the Lyon - of trade credits not only "pre-cut-off-date" but G7 Summit within the framework of activities also "post-cut-off-date" (unilateral declaration undertaken by the international community by the Prime Minister of Italy in Florence, April to ensure the sustainability of the medium- 3, 2001). It should be noted that according to long term foreign debt of the low-income the "enhanced HIPC Initiative", 90% and above, countries. The 1999 G7/G8 Summit in Cologne where necessary, of the so-called eligible debt decided to increase the number of countries (i.e. "pre- cut-off-date") is to be cancelled. eligible under the Initiative by easing the The deadline for the calculation of the trade conditions for access, raising the amount and aid "post-cut-off-date" credits to be cancelled of debt eligible for cancellation (from 80% is the date of the Cologne G8 Summit (June in Lyon to 90% and above where necessary, 20, 1999). <> of the so-called "pre-cut-off" date, that is

3 NEW HI-TECH PIRELLI LABS IN MILAN SCIENTIFIC FLASH Photonics, Fiber Optics, Superconductors, New Materials. On May 3, 2001 the group led by STEM CELLS Marco Tronchetti Provera officially TRANSPLANTED FROM announced the creation of "Pirelli FATHER TO DAUGHTER Labs", a new high-tech research centre that is presently under construction IN RAVENNA in the "Bicocca" industrial area north of Milan. The new laboratories, The stem cells, progenitors of all the tissues which require an investment of Euro 135 million of Pirelli money will of which the human body is made, will be provide work for 250 researchers and are expected to be fully operational used in Italy in order to restore sight to in the spring of 2002. patients who have lost it. A very special transplant has recently been carried out at ronchetti Provera explained that Pirelli Ravenna Hospital. The stem cells from the Labs will constitute a point of reference cornea of a living donor have been transplanted T for all of Pirelli’s worldwide research activities and that the laboratories in Milan will into the eyes of the same donor’s daughter. be directly connected to all the company’s other Over a period of ten days, the stem cells research centres, as well as to other private and transplant reconstructs the cornea surface university research centres in the U.S., the U.K., of a patient who has lost his sight. Russia and Italy. "Pirelli Labs will allow us to Until now the transplant of stem cells from operate in the forefront of research and not to the cornea has been made only from one limit ourselves to defending already conquered ground", he said. eye to the other of the same patient (this Bicocca, once the centre of Milan’s productive to increase in coming years. type of transplant was impossible in the system, now becomes the central point of this Pirelli leads Italian companies for the more than present case because the pathology of the research project and will be the nerve centre of 12,400 national patents registered, 6,800 of patient was bilateral) or from a dead body.<> a high-tech operation fully equipped to introduce which are still active. According to Tronchetti new products and new ideas. "Pirelli Labs" added Provera, 37,5% of its patents are in the tyres Tronchetti Provera, "can also be expected to be sector while the remainder (some 40%, 2,661) a source of additional income for our company concern cables and tlc systems. In the last ten "PILL-TELEVISION and the researchers employed there, as they will years alone, 6,775 patents were deposited of CAMERA" EXPERIMENT benefit directly from the results which 5,600 are still of their work". active. The first patent, IN ROME The new research structure, on a new type of tyre, which will stand on the 13,000 dates back to the end of Experiments have begun at the "Policlinico square metres of land that once the 19th century, while Agostino Gemelli" at the Catholic University belonged to the Ansaldo the fluid oil cable that in Rome, into the use of a "pill-television company, will be organised Pirelli perfected was first camera" aimed at revealing the condition along two major themes: optical patented in 1917. Every of the digestive system. Four patients innovation and materials year, Pirelli develop some swallowed the pill without any specific innovation. Pirelli is known 150 inventions, 60% in for regularly investing three cables and fibre optics preliminary preparation. If successful, the percent of its total turnover and 40% in the tyre pill, which is taken with water, will replace in R&D, a percentage expected sector.<> other diagnostic examinations of the intestine. The pill, produced in Israel, is used only once, weighs approximately 20 grams, is 1,5 centimeters long and is 7 millimeters in GROWTH IN EUROPE: diameter. Inside the pill there is a very small television camera, a source of light, a micro- battery and an antenna. OECD MORE OPTIMISTIC THAN IMF During the approximately four hours that it is inside the intestine, the camera sends taly's economic growth can be expected In the countries that have adopted the Euro, the two images per second, which are collected I to be about 2.3% and 2.5% in 2002, according so-called "Euroland", GDP can be expected to by a small device that the patient keeps next to the forecast of the OECD in the latest issue of grow by 2.6% this year and by 2.7% in 2002. to him, like a cellular telephone. The images "Perspectives Economiques", published in May Here too - at least for this year - a more optimistic are read by the doctor in order to discover 2001. The OECD is thus less optimistic than the forecast than that of the IFM. According to the Italian government and the European Commission, OECD, growth in Euroland "should remain any internal changes that may indicate some but more optimistic than the IMF, which puts satisfactory, as long as the world economy does irregular absorption or tumors. If the Italian growth at 2.0%. Inflation should stand at not soften more than is expected". But the OECD's experiment produces positive results, the 2.7% and the deficit of the public sector at 1.3%. analysis is based on the assumption that in coming pill-television camera will become one of The unemployment rate for this year will probably months there will be "a certain relaxation" of the the new methods of endoscopic testing. <> remain at 10%, but could drop to 9.2% in 2002. monetary policy. <>

4 the effort of wine industries to constantly improve the quality of their products. The importance of this initiative is underlined by supporting organizations as well, such as the "Union Internationale des Oenologues" and the Italian Ministry for Agricultural Policies. Each sample was numbered and registered on its arrival in Verona by the personnel of Veronafiere in order to guarantee the maximum seriousness of each operation and total anonymity. The score of each sample was determined by the Sasha Cooklin, renowned wine expert, visited the "Vinitaly" arithmetic mean of the seven cards, upon the elimination of those with the highest and lowest scores, according Exhibition and Wine Competition in Verona from 5-9 April. She to the method stipulated by the "Union Internationale des Oenologues". shares her impressions with the readers of "Notizie Italiane". All wines that reached the score of 80 hundredths t the end of last year I was stunned to learn were awarded the "Gran Menzione". Among these that I had received a nomination for the "Prix and for each category and group, those with the Lanson", the most coveted award for wine writers, highest score were awarded the ‘Great Gold Medal’, for my work in Italy. I was even more surprised when the Gold Medal, the Silver Medal and the Bronze Guy Gazzetta, the Italian Trade Commissioner for Medal. It must be noted that the panels were very Israel, informed me that I had been given the honor strict and selective in this competition: from the 2,800 of sitting on the adjudicating panel of the 9th wines from 28 countries represented, only 86 received International Wine Competition - Vinitaly 2001, awards! which was to be held in Verona in March, as the special guest of the wine department of the Italian ITALIAN WINE IN THE ISRAELI Institute of Foreign Trade (ICE)." MARKET Italian wines were first introduced into Israel nearly VINITALY AS GLOBAL WINE 30 years ago, as a business project inspired by the EXHIBITION increasing "westernization" of the Israeli lifestyle Vinitaly has once again proved itself a pivotal meeting Moscato d'Asti. in the early 70's. At present, the Italian wine market point for the global wine market. This year, it was Other noted producers from the north are Vercesi surely the launching point that marked the trends of Del Castellazzo from Pavia, who displayed a nutty, increasingly demanding and sophisticated consumers, harmonious Pinot Nero "Luigi di Monti" from the in Europe as well as on other continents. It was a 97’ vintage, crafted by Aldo Venco, a consultant meeting point for comparisons at a global level, as winemaker who seems to have been involved in the shown by the presence of more than 135,000 total making of countless wines from the Pavia region. visitors, of whom more than 13,700 were from 87 The relentless Maurizio Zanella, of Ca' del Bosco, countries (+6.8% more than in 1999), with significant Franciacorta, has yet again proved himself to be a increases in visitors from the Middle East and Central master of innovation of Italian wines, previewing Asia (+115.3%), North America (+12.4%) and the 97’ "Carmenero", a wine based on the indigenous countries outside the European Union (+16.35%). Carmenero grape of northern Italy, which was formerly This is no doubt a direct consequence of the demand labeled as Cabernet or Cabernet Franc. for product quality, which is being strictly adhered Equally inventive and tenacious are a younger to by Italy’s new generation of winemakers and the generation of winemakers from the north, Martin innovative sector of producers, which are no longer Foradori Hofstatter of Southern Tyrol's "Hofstatter" found solely in regions such as Tuscany and Piemonte, winery, with a new range of fresh, silky Blauburgunders but as far afield as Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo in the and Gewurztraminers, and Stefano Inama of Inama south, and , Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardia from Soave Classico with his by now legendary in the north. "Vulcaia", a complex, original Sauvignon Fuma. In The Italian dedication to wine marks Italy not only fact, Stefano Inama has had the foresight to make as a traditional winemaker, locally as well as globally, a new acquisition in Abruzzo with Fattoria La but also once the education, public relations and Valentina, in San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, marketing schemes have been successfully established, a locality situated in the La Maiella National Park. encompasses an average of 32% of wines imported the world's most "modern" wine nation. The vineyard will be reserved for the production of into Israel. a top quality Montepulciano DOC by the name of The first wines to be imported were Chianti in the WINES TO WATCH OUT FOR "Binomio", which will be released later this year. traditional "fiasco" bottle. The taste factor was in Indigenous grape varieties are being cultivated with complete symbiosis with the Israeli palate; impressive bottled results, which the producers are THE WINE COMPETITION Mediterranean, rugged and potent. The future success continually striving to improve. The true champion The 9th "Vinitaly" International Enological Competition of Italian wines in Israel was assured. of this year's Vinitaly was Abruzzo, which offered is considered to be the most prestigious international The consumption rate in Israel is edging towards 6 a range of state of the art Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine competition, and for five days, I combined liters per capita per annum, and 50% of those wines wines, notably from the Tenuta di Testa Rossa (named forces with Italian as well as foreign enologists and are consumed in Tel Aviv, which is Israel’s trend after the winemaker's grandmother, not the Ferrari) journalists to evaluate no less than 2,500 wines! My setting capital. The city also boasts hundreds of Italian and Zaccagnini from Bolognano. school days seemed like a breeze by comparison, restaurants and espresso bars, several of which are Puglia also comes through well, with spicy, floral analyzing series of twelve to fifteen wines at a time actual franchise extensions from Italy. whites and deeper reds from the regional Primitivo from red to white, in various aging categories and Israel currently imports wines from Abruzzo, Friuli, grape, which is the forbearer of California’s Zinfanden. styles ranging from sparkling to sweet. It seemed Piemonte, Sardegna, Sicilia, Trentino, Toscana and A brilliant example is the "Don Peppe" made by the as if the entire world of wine met on my tasting table Veneto. talented wine maker Benedetto Lorusso of the historic within those five days, and my palate and those of Cantina del Locorotondo. my "classmates" opened to new sights, smells and For more information on Vinitaly, contact Ms. The well-known Pio Cesare winery from Alba, tastes. The purpose of the competition is to aim to Nili Kariv, Representative in Israel and P.A. of Piemonte has produced excellent traditional Piemontese highlight the best wine production, make it known "Veronafiere" Tel. 03.5467913, Fax 03.5468862, wines once again stunning visitors with a "stupendous" to consumers and operators and reward and stimulate e-mail: [email protected] <>

5 NEW ITALIAN SHIP IN SHARM EL SHEIK UNDER THE MULTINATIONAL FORCE FLAG "Vedetta" comes and "Palma" goes

n May 4, 2001, patrol boat, specifically designed and built by el Sheikh harbour in the presence of the Italian O after exactly 19 the Italian Navy to fulfil the M.F.O.'s operational Ambassadors to Egypt and to Israel, Mario years and 8 days and requirements. Sica and Gian Paolo Cavarai, UNTSO more than 2000 hours The official replacement ceremony took place Commander Maj. Gen. Franco Ganguzza, of patrolling, the Italian on April 29, 2001 at the M.F.O. dock in Sharm Chief of the Egyptian Liaison Authorities with Ship "Palma", the last member of International Organisation (LAWIO) its class to do so, sailed out of the Gen. Mohamed el Hakim, the mayor harbour of Sharm el Sheikh bound of Sharm Maj. Gen. Saleh Abdouel for Italy, thus ending its service Raouf, the M.F.O. Commander Maj. under the Multinational Force and Gen. Robert G. Meating, the Observer flag. representative of the Chief of the Licensed by the US Navy to be built Italian Navy Capt. (N) Giuseppe in July 1956, "Palma" is a former Siragusa and various Italian, local coastal minesweeper later converted and M.F.O. authorities. into a patrol vessel for the MFO's With the arrival of "Vedetta", the operational requirements. It arrived Coastal Patrol Unit (the Naval branch in South Sinai on April 26, 1982. of the Force) has been completely It was later followed by "Mango", up-dated, and is now comprised of "Bambu" and "Mogano", members "Esploratore", "Sentinella" and of the same "Alberto" Class, which "Vedetta". left Egypt earlier for In Italy "Staffetta", the last member decommissioning. of the "Esploratore" class is still under "Palma" has been replaced by construction and is being fitted out "Vedetta", the most recent member to sail toward the Red Sea to join its of the "Esploratore" class, which sister ships in accomplishing the peace arrived in Southern Sinai on February mission assigned to the Coastal Patrol 28, 2001.This is a new type of coastal The "Palma" Unit and to the Italian Navy. <>

ITALIAN DEPUTY CHIEF OF DEFENSE STAFF VISITED ISRAEL

en. Vincenzo Camporini visited Israel following his appointment The visit also included two military industries: Israel Aircraft Industries G as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (see below). and Rafael. Lt. Gen. Camporini was invited to visit the Israel Defense Forces from Gen. Camporini also met with the Director General of the Ministry of 17 to 19 April by Maj Gen. Moshe Ya’alon, the IDF’s Deputy Chief of Defense Gen. Amos Yaron, Commander of the Air Forces Maj. Gen. Dan Defense Staff. Haloutz, Commander of the Home Front Command Maj. Gen. Gaby Ofir In a three-day session, Lt. Gen. Camporini was given a general overview and Commander of Women Corps, Brig. Gen. Suzy Yogev. of the military and strategic challenges facing Israel. The role of the Deputy Chief of Defense Staff The Deputy Chief of Defense Staff is appointed following a proposal submitted by the Defense Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defense. He is chosen from officers with the rank of Lieutenant General or Vice Admiral on active service. He directs the Defense General Staff, which is organized into divisions and general offices and is responsible for planning, coordination and supervision in the various area of activity. He fills the post of Chairman of The Defense Technical Scientific Council.<>

6 Menotti's 90th birthday with a marathon session EVENTS IN ITALY of poetry reading. The figurative arts will be represented by Giuseppe Palanti, an unfairly neglected artist; Georges Jeanclos, a great French artist, and, for the first Spoleto - Festival of the Two Worlds time in forty-four years of the Festival a photographic exhibition by Derry Moore. After June 28, 2001 - July 15, 2001, Spoleto, Italy the pleasure of seeing one of the Festival's regular guests, Florian Gallenberger win the Academy Award for the best short film, new talent in he highlight of this year's forty-fourth Festival Umbria, the Cafe Chantant and Spoleto Jazz series, cinema is once again shown alongside the great T will be the ninetieth birthday of its founder, plus two orchestral concerts and a concerto for masters, plus interesting retrospectives. Gian Carlo Menotti, on July 7. It seems only voices. Teatro Nuovo, Teatro Romano, Teatro Caio natural, therefore, to plan the musical programme On the occasion of the Verdi Celebrations, there Melisso, Piazza Duomo, Church of St Maria around this event, and to celebrate the art of this will also be a musical conference, chaired by della Piaggia, Church of St Eufemia, Rocca great twentieth century figure. The opera which several famous critics. The Carlo Colla & Sons Albornoziana, Stadio Comunale, Sala Frau, has been selected is La Santa di Bleecker Street, Marionettes Company will participate in a concert Medieval Churches of the surrounding mountain the composer's masterpiece and his favorite work. celebrating the work of Giuseppe Verdi. The villages (transport will be provided) Stars like Renee Fleming, Placido Domingo and Festival will close on July 15 with the traditional Luciano Pavarotti will celebrate with Menotti on concert in the piazza. Dance is represented by July 8 at the Gala Concert. soloists and principals from the Royal Danish For Information contact: The opera and the concert will be conducted by Ballet and by a rare appearance of the Indian http://www.spoletofestival.it/ Richard Hickox, just back from a series of triumphs company Madhu and Sajeev Samudra Performing email: [email protected] in London. The second operatic production will Arts. phone: +39-0743-45028 <> be a liturgical drama from the twelfth century, The drama section offers the gripping atmosphere Daniele Leoni, with an evocative interpretation of real forensic art with Altroteatro, when two of by the New York Ensemble for Early Music, Italy's most distinguished lawyers address the directed by Frederick Renz. The rest of the musical audience as a law court. Great poetry is also back programme will consist of the traditional Midday in style with two of the most famous voices in the EVENTS Concerts, The Mystical Hour, Music from Hidden Anglo-Saxon literary world celebrating Gian Carlo IN ISRAEL Arena di Verona - 79th Festival 2001 VERDI Anfiteatro Arena, Teatro Romano IL TROVATORE CELEBRATIONS June 30 In collaboration with the New Israeli Opera, July 7, 14, 25 the prestigious Israel Festival includes two August 3, 8, 15 operas by Giuseppe Verdi on the 100th AIDA anniversary of his death. Cesarea’s beautiful July 1, 5, 8, 13, 22, 24, 27 Roman amphitheater has been the backdrop August 7, 12, 14, 23, 26, 30 for the opera "La forza del destino" and will September 2 be the stage for "Otello". NABUCCO Cesarea Roman Theatre July 6, 12, 15, 20, 26, 29 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of July (Otello) August 10, 16, 19, 21, 24, 28, 31 RIGOLETTO For information contact: Tel. 02-5663198 <> July 21, 28 August 4, 11, 17, 22 September 1 LA TRAVIATA August 5, 9, 18, 25, 29 Arena di Verona MESSA DA REQUIEM June 29 n celebration of the 100th anniversary of Verdi's I death, the entire season is devoted to his glorious vocal creations. Works presented include Messa da Requiem, Il Trovatore, Aida, Nabucco, Rigoletto and La Traviata. The Arena of Verona is famous for being the most important contemporary "archaeological theatre". The Arena has long been a centre of opera, has progressively improved in quality and risen in popularity. The opera festival has featured some of the best artists in the world, including: Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Mario del Monaco, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Jean Vilar, Franco Zeffirelli, Tullio Serafin, Riccardo Muti and Daniel Oren. The opera season in the Arena brings over half a million people to Verona every year, and more than fifteen thousand spectators fill the amphitheatre every evening. A cosmopolitan crowd, with people from all over Europe as well as further afield. <> Giuseppe Verdi

7 simplicity of set, all amount to standard of "Masterfully staged" ... One of the important ARLECCHINO'S SUCCESS theatrical sophistication and achievement roles of the Israel Festival, which is too Piccolo Teatro of Milano performed rarely seen on our stages." often forgotten, is to present the best traditional "Servitore di Due Padroni" by Carlo (The Jerusalem Post, June 6, 2001) culture. That is exactly what this production Goldoni at the Israeli Festival in Jerusalem of Servitore ("A Servant of two Masters") last May. The lead role was played by "Many are the versions represented in Israel by Milan’s Piccolo Teatro is. It represents Ferruccio Soleri. The press comments of the classical comedy of Carlo Goldoni the best of the commedia dell'arte tradition, were enthusiastic. Here are some excerpts. on the astute servant that takes a double job with colourful, exaggerated characters such and that has to unravel funny situations, but as Pantaloon and Harlequin, and a staging "...the vitality and precision of timing, the the one of Teatro Piccolo di Milano is for that fully appreciated the exaggeration". perfected styles of body language, lingual sure the most classical show ever represented. (Ha-aretz, May 30, 2001) as well as physical acrobatics, a parade of (Yediot Aharonot, May 30, 2001) entrancing costumes set against a subtle

EVENTS IN ITALY "Palla al centro" Rossini Opera Festival August 10, 2001 - August 24, 2001, Pesaro, Italy

his international musical event is the 21, 23 August 2001, at 17.00 T only one in the world exclusively Teatro Sperimentale Roma’s Vincenzo Montella "flies" around dedicated to Gioacchino Rossini. The purpose IL MONDO DELLE FARSE the field after scoring against Parma in the last match of the Italian Championship of this opera festival is to present his lesser- 30 luglio 2001, at 21.00 known works to a wide audience. Teatro Sperimentale he most famous world championship, Festival giovane T "Serie A", has finally a winner team: AS ACCADEMIA ROSSINIANA Roma. Last 17 June its fans celebrated the first XXII Edition Closing Concert premier league title (scudetto) in 18 years, their Pesaro, 10-24 August 2001 third ever. After years of dominance by Juventus 14, 17 August 2001, at 17.00 and Milan, with disappointing results for both Palafestival 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 August 2001, at 21.30 Villa IL VIAGGIO A REIMS of Rome and Lazio clubs, it was Lazio who Caprile finally broke the mould by winning the title last LE NOZZE DI TETI E DI PELEO ENQUIRIES Tel. +39.0721.30161 Fax season. The acquisition of Fabio Capello, an +39.0721.30979 experienced and respected coach who had won 11, 14, 17, 20 August 2001, at 20.30 - e-mail: [email protected] championships with Milan (four consecutive 22, 24 August 2001, at 17.00 From Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 2 championships) and in Spain with Real Madrid, pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm Auditorium Pedrotti has transformed AS Roma. But experts say that LA GAZZETTA the key-move of Roma’s President, Franco Sensi, www.rossinioperafestival.it has been the performance of both Vincenzo e-mail: [email protected] <> 12, 15, 18, 21, 23 August 2001, at 20.30 Palafestival Montella, a truly "explosive" forward and LA DONNA DEL LAGO Francesco Totti, a player in true Italian style and second to none. Roma lost just three games all season (34 games totally), and finished the 24 August 2001, at 22.00 championship two points ahead of Juventus, Palafestival while Lazio was third. The three of them qualify STABAT MATER automatically, together with Parma, for the European Champion League next year.<> 11, 14, 20 August 2001, at 20.30 Piccolo Teatro di Novilara SERENATE Festival Musica Riva 15, 16, 18, 19 August 2001, at 18.00 Teatro Sperimentale CONCERTI DI BELCANTO July 21, 2001 - August 04, 2001 Riva del Garda, Italy

http://www.garda.com/Manifest/Musicariva

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