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Home , Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Romano Prodi, Siro Lombardini, Tullio De Mauro

No. 1 July 1999

Dear Readers, , THE NEW ÇNotizie ItalianeÈ is directed at Public Institutions and Agencies, private PRESIDENT OF THE Companies and businessmen, Israeli media, Italian nationals residing in this unique and interesting Country, EUROPEAN COMMUNITY and potentially any person who is interested - for professional or cultural omano Prodi, born in 1939, has been of industrial enterprises. reasons - in what happens in . R teaching for 25 years at In 1995 he devotes It would, of course, be impossible to University, Department of Political Sciences. himself to active politics, give a fully comprehensive view of the His academic curriculum starts at the Catholic leading the new coalition developments which take place in Italy University of (degree in Jurisprudence), list “Ulivo”. Following with a thesis on political economy with Prof. the May 1996 elections, in the cultural and economic fields, . Postgraduate studies are he is appointed Prime not to speak of the political life of the completed at the School of Economics. Minister, a responsibility Country and its social trends, the artistic His relationship with the international academic he holds until October (continued on page 3) creations or the scientific discoveries. world starts with a position of Visiting Professor The idea - that I had since I came to at Harvard. Office last year - is just to create a His first scientific publications, in the 60s, more direct channel of communication follow two main subjects: the problems of with the bodies I mentioned above, competition (“Competition and Market Power”, 1969) and the Paths of Development of Small and to contribute to the general Edited by: and Medium Size Enterprises. Prodi’s works The Italian Embassy in Tel Aviv knowledge of the various aspects of are a main contribution to the establishment Romano Prodi, the new President of the Italy today. of an Italian school of industrial economy, European Community pg 1 Together with the staff of the Embassy, highly reputed in the European academic we thought that this could be particularly world. The voice of this school has been is the 10th President of the Republic of Italy pg 2 useful in a dynamic Country like this embodied for many years, in Prodi’s magazine one, where the press is professional “The Industry”, Published by “Il Mulino” Italian emergency relief assistance to the and ready to receive and publicise (Bologna). Kosovo refugees pg 3 His work centres on the relationship between news from abroad. Heading towards the possibility of voting the State and the market and on the educational abroad to renew the Italian Parliament? ÇNotizie ItalianeÈ is directed - at least system as a focus for an efficient development pg 3 in the first phase - to a limited number of advanced societies. Lately - after the fall The Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala conducted of selected recipients, and aims to be of the Wall - on the models of capitalism. by Riccardo Muti in Jerusalem pg 4 wide ranging and a personal source Those subjects are reflected in his many for consultation. The target is to provide publications. Roberto Benigni received an Honorary Doctorat degree at Ben-Gurion University updated information, directed at people His scientific and academic activity combines pg 5 who have work or personal links with with his commitment as founder and Chairman Fully booked hotels in , Florence Italy, or simply intend to travel to Italy of the Scientific Committee of “NOMISMA”, devoted to economical studies. and Venice pg 6 in the near future. Minister of Industry in 1978-79, Romano Telecomitalia and Pirelli partners in submarine Allow me now to send you, also on Prodi is appointed President of IRI (Institute Cables Med pg 6 behalf of all the people who work at for Industrial Reconstruction, the largest the Embassy, my warmest and most public holding in the Country) and throughout Italian Cultural Events in Israel pg 7 friendly regards. the 80’s leads it to a successful financial The Carabinieri Band in Concert in Jaffa restructuring. pg 8 Shalom! Reappointed President of IRI by the Ciampi Gian Paolo Cavarai Government in May 1993, he holds full responsibility for its privatisation process, The Ambassador of Italy To Israel through the successful offer on the market

1 CARLO AZEGLIO CIAMPI is the 10th President of the Republic of Italy

arlo Azeglio Ciampi Both Carlo Azeglio Ciampi CURRICULUM VITAE OF A PRESIDENT C was elected the 10th and Romano Prodi have President of the Republic by a professional background Elected President of The Italian Republic on a large majority of votes and in economics. Mr. Ciampi May 13th, 1999 while leading the Ministry in the first round. Before him had a brilliant career which of Treasury, Budget and Economic Planning only one other President, brought him to the top of the since May 1996. , had a Italian Central Bank, Banca Born in , December 9, 1920 similar success in gaining d'Italia, as Governor from married, one daughter and one son. the support as Mr. Ciampi 1979 till 1993, when he Education: B.A., LL.B., University of , did, of both the majority and became Prime Minister. The Diploma of Scuola Normale Superiore. the opposition. This, in spite first President of the Italian 1941-44 Served in the Italian Army; awarded of the fact that Mr. Ciampi's Republic , had the Military Cross. competitors in the election were themselves been Governor of the Banca d’Italia as 1946 Joined the . outstanding personalities and highly qualified well. This is not mere coincidence, but 1946-60 Worked in various branches of the politicians. Among them the former President testifies of the importance of the contribution Bank, carrying out administrative duties and of the Republic , who given by Italian economists to their Country. inspections at commercial banks. was running for a second term, the President As a matter of fact Mr. Ciampi, in addition 1960-70 Economist and then Head of the of the Camera dei Deputati, (the lower to his remarkable managerial skills, has Research Department. proven to be an excellent politician and a 1973 Secretary General; chamber of the Italian Parliament) Mr. 1976 Deputy Director General; , the Minister of Interior statesman, even though he never joined 1978 Director General and Deputy Chairman Ms. Rosa Russo Jervolino, and the former any political party. In his short and of the Ufficio Italiano dei Cambi. member Ms. Emma unrhetorical speech to the Nation after his 1979-93 Governor of the Bank of Italy, Bonino, who is particularly well known election, he firmly reasserted the idea that Chairman of the Ufficio Italiano dei Cambi; in Italy and abroad for her humanitarian he considers himself as the President of Governor for Italy in IBRD, IDA, IFC, ADB; action in favour of the population of former all . <> Member of the Group of Ten; Member of . the Board of Directors, Bank for International Mr. Ciampi's international prestige is Settlements; Member of the Board of Directors especially connected to his successful work of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche. since 1996 as Minister of Treasury, Budget CULTURAL FLASH 1993-94 President of the Italian Council of and Economic Planning. The “Superministro Ministers. dell'Economia”, as he was called because 1994-96 Vice President of the Bank for he was leading the major economic ministries ITALY “EXPORTS” KNOW-HOW International Settlements. at the same time, has been a crucial figure IN THE PRESERVATION OF 1995-96 Chairman of the EU Competitiveness in the process of adjustment of the Italian CULTURAL PATRIMONY Advisory Group. President of the Ente “Luigi economy to the Maastricht parameters. Einaudi”; Together with the recently elected President A wide ranging agreement has recently been reached between the Italian Ministry 1996 President of the Venice International of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, who was then Italian Prime Minister, of Foreign Affairs and the World Bank University; Member of the Board of Istituto concerning the funding of Cultural per l’Enciclopedia Treccani. Ciampi implemented the necessary policies Patrimony’s protection in Developing Memberships and Honours that allowed Italy to participate in the Countries. Member of the “Societ`a degli Economisti”; European Monetary Union from the very Extending to International Organisations, Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of beginning and made the Country one of such as UNESCO, the project pursues a Merit of the Italian Republic; the supporting pillars for economic and line of action developed by Italy over a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of political stability in the new Europe. decade. Merit of the Federal Republic of ; Therefore it is not by chance that the two 56 projects were completed in this time Commandeur de la L`egion d’Honneur (); Italian protagonists of this process are now span, mainly in “akin” Countries, from Grand Cordon of the in charge of the highest offices in Europe a geographical or cultural point of view, (); and in Italy: it is an objective namely in the Mediterranean and Latin Honorary Governor Bank of Italy (1993). acknowledgement of their work and merits. American areas. The total investment amounts to $ 55 millions. <>

2 Montenegro, a central depot in Pisa for supplies from private donors, mobilisation ITALIAN EMERGENCY of Government stocks of tents, pharmaceutical supplies and food rations by the Civil Defence Agency, three ships of the Italian navy, “San RELIEF ASSISTANCE TO Giorgio”, “San Giusto” and “San Marco”, shuttling between and Durres, three daily flights by four C130 cargo aircraft and by four helicopters carrying urgent THE KOSOVO REFUGEES goods, together with two civilian ferries, “Scilla” and “Mario”, leased by the Government. n response to the plight of the Kosovo would be doubled. Fund raising initiatives Coordination with UN agencies (UNHCR, refugees, Italy is mounting a relief effort have reached around 40 million Dollars. UNDP, UNICEF) has been put into effect that is the largest ever undertaken by the To co-ordinate the humanitarian effort, the in order to provide financing for their relief Italian emergency infrastructure outside the Government has taken adequate measures, operations in the area, while ad hoc Country. Within the framework of “Operazione including enhancement of the operational understandings with Countries of the area Arcobaleno” (Rainbow) eight camps hosting capabilities of the Italian Embassies in allow free transit of relief supplies to the a total of 45.000 refugees have been organised neighbouring Countries, an Emergency refugees camps. <> in wheres a field hospital of 100 Office being opened in Pogdorica, beds has been established. Operation “Arcobaleno” also provides the logistics emergency response: Navy for HEADING TOWARDS THE ships, commercial vessels and military aircraft have been mobilised in order to ferry supplies across the Adriatic. The priorities include POSSIBILITY OF VOTING ABROAD direct assistance to the refugee camps as well as support to the Albanian Government. FOR THE ITALIAN PARLIAMENT ? Similar initiatives have been undertaken for Macedonia and Montenegro (FRY) to help n April 28th, the Italian Senate approved by the constituency formed by the Italian them cope with the emergency. O a legislative project to reform the nationals abroad. Public emergency aid so far granted amounts Constitution, in order to assure nationals This new project of constitutional reform roughly to 40 millions US dollars, not including residing in other Countries the possibility has already been submitted to the “Committee the operational costs borne by the military to exercise their right to vote out of from for Constitutional Affairs” of the Chamber and the lease of merchant shipping. If these abroad. of Deputies, and proposes to give nationals costs are included the total amount Such approval followed the one already abroad the possibility to elect 16 Deputies passed by the other branch of the Italian and 8 Senators, in addition to the actual Parliament, the Chamber 630 and 315, who (continued from page 1) ROMANO PRODI... of Deputies, last February respectively sit in the 24th, and thereby two branches of the 1998. His Government enforces the necessary completed the procedures Parliament. policies to adapt the Country to the “Maastricht established for the The task of determining framework” and to enable it to participate in adoption on the first the practical means and the European Monetary Union from its very reading of this important exact prerequisites to start. amendment to the exercise to On March 24th, 1999 Signor Prodi is appointed Constitution. participate in legislative President of the European Commission, an After the three months’ elections even if residing appointment endorsed by the European interval prescribed by abroad, is instead left to Parliament by a wide majority. the law, this legislative The Italian parliamentary system provides for two an ordinary law, the The new President has already announced project will have to be Chambers: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. adoption of which doesn’t forwarded again to both Above: The Meeting Hall of the Senate. require special his firm commitment to overcome a certain the “Chamber of procedures, or particular “European disenchantment” springing from Deputies” and the Senate, and receive once majorities. economic slowdown and high unemployment, more a two-thirds majority in each passage. Voting by mail appears to be the most likely following the citizens’ enthusiasm for the The amendment - which concerns art. 48 means to be chosen. single currency (). Demanding radical of the Constitution - establishes the But apart from the details of the reforms economic reforms and tangible successes in introduction of a new and large constituency to be introduced, the key aspects to stress dealing with such problems, Prodi assesses for the election of the two Chambers of the now are the attention with which the Italian the priority of measures “aimed at reassuring Parliament, which will be common to all Government followed the Parliamentary the people of Europe that the Euro and Europe Italian citizens who reside abroad. “iter” of the law, and the efforts it will are synonyms of prosperity”. The proposed reform then remits to another continue to make, with the aim of assuring He has presented the Members of the Constitutional law (still to be introduced), full and more direct participation of Italians Commission to the new the task of determining the number of abroad in the life and developments of their at its first meeting in July. <> deputies and senators who will be elected Country. <>

3 THE ORCHESTRA OF TEATRO ALLA SCALA CONDUCTED BY RICCARDO MUTI IN JERUSALEM

he main musical event of the year accompanied by the This concert was also the T in Israel is probably the concert that Italian Ambassador H. first that La Scala ever the Orchestra of La Scala gave on the 1st E. Gian Paolo Cavarai. held in Jerusalem, and the of July against the impressive scenery of The program was exceptional event has been the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem. The evening focused on Giuseppe broadcast live all over the was organized by the Jerusalem Foundation Verdi's Requiem, one of world, thanks also to the and the Israel Festival with the generous the most intense works effort of the main sponsor, support of the Festival di Ravenna (Italy) of the great genius of the Italian industrial and the cooperation of the Istituto Italiano Italian opera. The choice holding Pirelli. It was not di Cultura in Tel Aviv. The beautiful natural of this composition that Muti's first time in the arena was filled with a public of about Verdi wrote in 1874 Holy City since he had five thousand. Among them many (originally meant to already conducted, in distinguished guests who came from all honour Gioacchino Jerusalem, The over the world. The Vice-President of the Rossini and then Philadelphia Orchestra of Italian Senate, Ms. Ersilia Salvato, the dedicated to the Italian which he had been Music Minister of Culture, Ms. , writer Alessandro Manzoni) has a special Director between 1980 and 1992 and is the Secretary General of the Ministry of meaning, as Maestro Muti said: “Verdi's Conductor Laureate. Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Umberto Requiem is a chant of death or liberation Riccardo Muti, who was born in Napoli Vattani, came from Italy and were after death, but in Jerusalem we shall speak in 1941 and studied in the music to living people, being living people conservatory of this city, is the most ourselves. It was only after a long celebrated and outstanding conductor of CULTURAL FLASH consideration that I chose the Requiem the second half of the century. In his striking remembering what the Italian poet Gabriele career apart from La Scala and The D'Annunzio wrote on Verdi's tomb “He Philadelphia Orchestra, he conducted the THE 1999 VENICE BIENNALE: gave voice to everybody's hopes and most important orchestras of the world OVERCOMING THE BORDERS sorrows. He cried and loved on behalf of such as the Berliner Philarmoniker and all of us”, and I believe that sorrow, the Wiener Philarmoniker. Specially talented For the first time in 48 years, the Venice mourning and hope can be found in for opera he has made hundreds of Biennale will open its doors on June Jerusalem more than in any other place. memorable recordings. For him, both the 13 without a national Italian Pavilion. The Requiem ends with the words Libera experts and the public have unlimited The decision springs from the me - set me free - a message of liberation admiration: "The god of the opera" that “Philosophy” of the 1999 edition: at from evil that surrounds us all, whatever is how Hanoch Ron titled a long and the present stage of the world’s our religion may be.” interesting interview with the Maestro in intellectual development, borders - Jerusalem is a stage in “the ways of Yedioth Aharonot 18th of June '99. including the physical ones reflected friendship”, a tour that took the orchestra The production of Verdi's Requiem presented in the concept of National Pavilions of La Scala also to Sarajevo and Beirut in Jerusalem, included the full orchestra - must be erased. and that was conceived and supported first and choir made up of 135 musicians and “To mark borders of any kind” - states of all by Mrs. Cristina Muti Mazzavillani 150 singers, the chorus conductor Robert the Chairman of the Biennale, Paolo who succeeded to involve, with her Gabbiani, and four soloists: Barbara Frittoli, Baratta - “doesn’t seem proper today. enthusiasm, one of the oldest and probably soprano, Violeta Urmana, contralto, It leads to stress the inside content of secluded and divided spaces. On the the most prestigious opera theatre in the Vincenzo La Scola, tenor, Giacomo Prestia, contrary it seems necessary to elaborate world. La Scala was founded in 1778 and bass. on borders as creativity references, since then it has been one of the temples The performance was breathtaking. The making them fruitful instruments of of Italian opera, whose history is also audience remained motionless for two communication”. strictly connected to the history of Italian hours, since the Requiem was performed The traditional “open” exhibition is independence and unification. This is without intermission. But nobody seemed inspired by the same principle: it will especially true for Verdi's masterpieces to notice the time passing because of the therefore be open to all Countries and that, apart from their universal beauty and intensity of the music and the enchanted all generations of artists beyond frontiers. value, were often created and intended as atmosphere. In sign of deep enthusiasm Fiftyseven Countries will be present allegories of the Italian situation of the and appreciation the evening was concluded at the Biennale. <> time and as an incitement to the Italian by a standing ovation to Maestro Muti people. and the other artists. <>

4 CULTURAL FLASH

“PREMIO STREGA” NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The most prestigious Italian literary award “Premio Strega” has new management. Its Board of Directors has been restructured so as to include outstanding figures from national cultural life: Antonio Paolucci (Superintendent of Artistic Patrimony in Florence, former Minister for Culture), (a father of linguistics), Fabiano Fabiani (former Director of RAI’s - Italian Radiotelevisione Public System’s - cultural programs) and writers Enzo Siciliano and Alessandro Barberio. The presentation of the competing books took place at the Torino Book Above: in Los Angeles, the night of the Oscar Awards Fair (May 12 to May 16). The ceremony of the Award presentation will be hosted in its traditional exquisite surroundings: the “Ninfeo” of Villa Giulia, the Etruscan ROBERTO BENIGNI RECEIVES AN Museum in . <> HONORARY DOCTORATE DEGREE a special guest, Mr. Shimon Peres, himself Honorary Doctor from Ben Gurion University, AT BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY Roberto Benigni - in receiving the Degree - addressed the audience with a very effective and informal speech in his peculiar style: n the 6th of June in Beer-Sheva, at to the stage to receive the honors. As the “First of all” he said “I’m very happy to be O the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, scroll reads, he was declared an Honorary here and I would like to prove that, by the actor and director Roberto Benigni was Doctor “In recognition of his being a brilliant hugging and kissing you all. Needless to awarded a Ph. D. Honoris Causa along with and indefatigable master of cinema, who say this is the first and only degree I received five more outstanding personalities: Prof. has created for himself a unique and personal in my life and I’m sorry for this beautiful Yehudith Birk (Israel) a scientist well known niche in the seventh art form, the art of University, because after giving me this for her research in agriculture, Sir Aaron filmmaking, adopting the linguistic mentality doctorate, the prestige of such a title will Klug (UK) Nobel Prize in chemistry, Albert of , the place of his birth and certainly go down!” Among other remarkable Memmi (France) writer and thinker, the childhood, an approach that enabled him to comments, he made one that conquered the economist Prof. Klaus Schwab () treat all spheres of life as a mirthful script public: “When I told some very well learned and the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland and has served him faithfully in his numerous people that I was going to receive this W. David Trimble, who unfortunately was films, until he tackled the subject of Jewish Doctorate, they suggested me to make a unable to attend the ceremony. Holocaust under the Nazi regime of terror; speech appropriate to the occasion and in From the moment of his arrival in the Kreitman in esteem for the universal language he has particular to refer to the Bible. But I thought Plaza, where the ceremony was held, Benigni crafted which, behind his mask of laughter, it wouldn't be smart to talk to you about the was the center of vast public attention and abounds with a great love and compassion Bible. You are the people of the Book, you expectation. Many journalists had come for all humankind; and in sincere appreciation are the Bible, so what could I say to you from all over the country and abroad and of a Reinassance man who has explored the that you already don't know. And, by the they agreed to stop their “assault” on Mr. historic, folkloristic, cultural and above all, way, the Author of the Bible is also the Benigni only when the Chairman of the humanistic significance of the concept of Author of the readers of the Bible. This is Board, Lord Weinfeld of Chelsea, promised humor, finding in it a hidden power capable a very easy way to sell the book. He knows them an exclusive press conference with of fuelling the will to survive and of revealing His public. I wish I could do the same!” the star after the ceremony. positive, touching and glorious moments, An impressive display of fireworks concluded The audience's sympathy and appreciation even in the face of adversity.” an evening marked by the presence of for Benigni's work exploded in an extended In front of the Board of Governors, Faculty illustrious guests. <> applause the moment in which he was called Deans, the President of the University and

5 FULLY BOOKED HOTELS IN NAPLES, FLORENCE AND VENICE

ith fully booked hotels in Naples, Florence where the main sessions of the Trento Council DE SADE: “Viaggio in Italia”, Boringhieri 1996 W and Venice almost throughout the year took place with all its profound implications (in Italian). “Voyage d’Italie” Fayard 1995 (in French). and Rome frantically getting ready for the 2000 for Italian and European history. GOETHE: “Viaggio in Italia” Mondadori 1983 Jubilee: why not discover the so called “Italia In the neighbourhoods of Milan, Goethe visited (in Italian) minore” with its unexpected delights? Riva del Garda and the tour by boat, of the “Voyage en Italie” Slatkine reprints 1990 (in French) Italia Minore certainly, but not less beautiful! famous Lake, made him wander through Virgil’s MONTAIGNE: “Journal de Voyage en Italie”, LGF 1974, (in French). Many destinations are already familiar to tourists famous poetry. “Viaggio in Italia” Laterza 1991 (in Italian). willing to side-step the “Grand Tour” of the For centuries Italy has been the favourite MONTESQUIEU: “Addio a Genova” SAGEP 199 most famous Cities and visit historical places destination for travellers willing to explore the (in Italian) that are less known and therefore less crowded origins of western and European cultural routes. “Viaggio in Italia” Laterza 1995 (in Italian). and less... over-booked. STENDHAL: “Voyages en Italie”, Gallimard 1973 Some literary suggestions: (in French). This other Italy is in fact rich in exceptional “Histoire de la Peinture en Italie”, Gallimard, 1996. beauty and charming corners which taste of DE BROSSES, Charles: Viaggio in Italia;, Laterza (in French). magic Italian “Settecento” and “Ottocento”, 1992 (in Italian). “Milano” AGE 1994 (in Italian). “Lettres Familières d’Italie” Complexe 1995 “Passeggiate Romane”, Laterza 1991(in Italian). through the omnipresent artistic glory of (in French). “Roma, Napoli, Firenze”, Laterza 1990 (in Italian). Renaissance, the Middle-Age or of the Ancient “Journal de Voyage en Italie” Roissard 1972 “Storie Romane” Orsa Maggiore 1993 (in Italian). Roman times. (in French). <> Everywhere the Peninsula abounds in sites which recall times when foreign and wealthy visitors loved to travel through the Country savouring its mellow way of life. Telecomitalia Partnership in Submarine Cables Med 1 While the “Grand Tour” is obviously rich in explanatory guide-books, one can enjoy the pleasure of discovering new and often surprising ith the relevant international partnership to lay and operate the underwater optic fibres sites by means of literary suggestions. W of Telecomitalia, the sixth largest cable. A long tradition of journeys through Italy by telecommunication Company in the world, Late in February, the Company was also famous figures of European literature in fact a new telecommunication network to be known awarded a new license for a cable to be laid has left a wide heritage of books, note-books, as Lev Submarine System became operational along the Israeli coastline (from Naharya to mémoires etc. among which true masterpieces in January 1999 linking Israel with Italy and Ashkelon) that will back the Lev System and are to be found that are also invaluable sources , with a 2350 km cable length. will be able to serve as a backup for the cable of curiosities, details and suggestions. This is the third largest privately owned companies anchor networks (instead of the That is the case with books by Montaigne, system in the world and will provide its current satellite backup), as backup for cellular Montesquieu, De Brosse, Stendhal, Goethe and customers end-to-end solutions to major companies and as the main artery for the many others. American, European and global targets by infrastructure of competitors in the Israeli Among them, the new edition (1996) of the new links to continuous cables connecting market. “Voyage en Italie” of the Marquis De Sade. with the West. MED-1 System at present connects Tel Aviv, Apart from the splendid descriptions of the Cable Lev System was manufactured by a Mazara del Vallo (Siciliy) and Yeroskipos Italian monuments in the most famous sites Consortium of Maristel (PIRELLI), ALCATEL (Cyprus). visited by the Author, the book focuses on places SN and TYCO Submarine. MED-1 shareholding is formed by an like Gaeta or Positano where natural and MED-1 Submarine Cables Ltd. that provided International Group comprising Bezeq, the new connection received a special license Telecomitalia, Clalcom, Kama Communications, geographic beauties are seen trough the lenses from the Israeli Ministry of Telecommunications Telrad, Aurec, Globescom, and CYTA. <> of the historical events that took place in them. The Marquis de Sade visited Gaeta, Terracina and Monte Circeo on the Tyrrhenian coast and the southern region of Rome, along the famous Via Appia, with enchanting places like Sermoneta, Customs Agreement Signed Between Italy and Israel Priverno and Ninfa, all marked by the rich and long history of the Borgia family. In “Travel to Italy” by Goethe the reader can he Italian Foreign Minister Mr. Lamberto from both sides to assist each other and to co- find wonderful notes about the Northern regions T Dini and his Israeli counterpart Mr. Ariel operate in the enforcement of customs rules with of the Country. For the German Poet, the door Sharon initialled a bilateral "Agreement on the aim, in particular, of simplifying customs to Italy was necessarily the Brenner Pass, so Mutual Administrative Assistance for the procedures allowing for easier and fruitful two- the description of northern landscapes occupies Prevention, Investigation and Repression of way trade relations. a wide space in the book. Customs Offences" on Monday, April 27th 1999, The agreement will also provide the two Countries Cities like Bolzano and Trento “smile” to the on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Rome. with a new legal basis for mutual administrative Author for the calmness and serenity of their The new bilateral agreement - that shall enter assistance in order to facilitate exchange of every-day life, worth of a visit even today. into force after completion of the internal information necessary, among others, to prevent Trento in particular held Goethe’s attention procedures - will enable Customs Authorities and suppress customs frauds. <> with its majestic Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

6 Exibition Italian Silverware of the XX Century from May 25th to 30th October Tel Aviv, Eretz Israel Museum, Hamigdal Gallery, 2 Haim Italian Cultural Events Levanon Street More than one hundred and fifty pieces from the Museum of Contemporary Silverware of Sartirana Art Foundation (Pavia) which collects domestic ornamental objects in solid silver. Many of these have been handmade by using only one metal plate. These pieces produced from the 70’ were created by the most important Italian silversmiths working on projects of the best architects and designers of the country. Among the protagonists of the exhibition: Olga Finzi Baldi, Gabriele De Vecchi, Carlo Scarpa, Ettore Sottsass, Luigi Caccia Dominioni, Afra e Tobia Scarpa, Roberto Sambonet, Paolo Portoghesi. The International Opera Workshop from the 18th of July to the 14th of August 1999 Five Italian artists will take part to the event: Paolo Montarsolo Bruno Rigaci Enzo Dara A retrospective of 11 films by the Taviani Brothers will be held Speranza Scappucci in July at the Tel Aviv Cinemateque Stefano De Peppo Tel Aviv Cinemateque The program includes two Italian operas: Il matrimonio segreto Rehov Sprinzak 2 by Domenico Cimarosa and L’Elisir d’amore by Gaetano Tel. 03-691.7181 Donizetti. Haifa Film Festival Janice and Philip Levin Municipal Music Center From the 23rd to the 28th of September 1999 Rehov Sheerit Israel, 10 Jaffa Haifa Cinemateque Tel. 03-682.8393 Shderot Hannasi 142 The Jerusalem Film Festival Tel. 04-835.3530 From the 8th to the 17th of July 1999 Other Italian films shown at the festival are: Jerusalem Cinemateque ● Out law by Enzo Monteleone Derech Hebron ● Shooting the moon by Francesca Archibugi Tel. 02-672.4131 ● First there were underwears by Anna Negri ● Israeli premiere of the film The Dinner in the presence of ● Weddings by Cristina Comencini the director Ettore Scola. ● Not of this world by Giuseppe Piccioni ● Israeli premiere of the film The way we laughed directed by ● The Nanny by Marco Bellocchio Paolo and Vittorio Taviani in the presence of Paolo Taviani. ● Israeli premiere of the film Besieged by Bernardo Bertolucci. Homage to Bernardo Bertolucci ● Israeli premiere of the film Elvjs & Merilijn in the presence of the director Armando Manni. ● 1900 (I and II part) ● ● The films The Family and Le bal by Ettore Scola will be Last tango in In Israel also shown during the festival. ● The spider stratagem ● The conformist ● Besieged Invited guests include Bernardo Bertolucci, Cristina Comencini, Riccardo Tossi, Stefania Sandrelli and Marco Bellocchio World Congress of the International Institute of Sociology “Multiple Modernities in an Era of Globalization” From the 11th to the 15th of July 1999 The congress is organised by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the Tel Aviv University, with the participation of 20 Italian sociologists and the President of the International Institute of Sociology, Professor Alberto Martinelli.

The Carabinieri Band

7 THE CARABINIERI BAND IN CONCERT IN JAFFA

he 26th of June on a beautiful, cool to 1814. From the very beginning, the accomplishment of their military and civil T summer evening, the military band Carabinieri have had a twofold function, functions, the Corps Musical Band has been of the Carabinieri Corps held a concert in to defend the State as an elite Army Corps successful in combining artistic and military the impressive natural stage of Old Jaffa. and as a police force with special duties. qualities. The origin of the Band dates back The concert was attended by an audience Always on the front line in war, they also to the foundation of the Carabinieri Corps: of more than a thousand people, who took became crucial in Italian society in peacetime, the first group of trumpeters was established active participation in the event joining the enforcing law and order, constantly adapting in 1820. At the beginning of the century band in a spontaneous choir. In the presence themselves to the newest challenges of the band was already an internationally of H.E. the Ambassador of Italy Gian Paolo progress and technology. renowned musical ensemble, performing Cavarai, the Italian Military Attach«e Gen. The human qualities of a carefully selected all over the world both in special events Filiberto Cecchi and Col. Libero Lo Sardo and trained soldier, make the Carabiniere like the military Tattoo in Edinburgh and representative of the Carabinieri Headquarters, a central and popular figure in everyday in theatres and concert halls. the band, conducted by Maestro Col. life, surrounded by the people's respect and The Band, composed of 103 professional Vincenzo Borgia, was welcomed by the affection. In particular the Maresciallo, the musicians, does not include strings as it is actress Gila Almagor, Chairperson of the head of local Carabinieri detachments in based on brass, wind and percussion Community of Arts and Culture of the rural Italy, together with the Parroco, the instruments. Municipality of Tel Aviv and by Michal parson, has always been a key figure for This repertoire, and the beautiful historical Liebster, Head of the Department of Arts. the population to address for help and uniforms that the Band always wears for The concert was the homage that the Italian protection. concerts, was appreciated by the public in Government offered to celebrate the 90th Carabinieri are so crucial to Italian society Jaffa to such an extent that their rhythmical anniversary of the Tel Aviv-Jaffa, and to that they became part of our cultural clapping of hands, accompanied the rhythm renew the traditional friendship between background and have been celebrated in of the music and became overwhelming Italy and Israel. all arts, from literature to cinema from applause that ended the evening. <> The Carabinieri are the first Corps of the painting to music. Italian Army, as their foundation dates back As the Carabinieri succeeded in the

MUSEUMS EXHIBITIONS For the years 1999-2000 the Italian Museums will be Trento: Palazzo delle Albere: Futurism from Paris, New open every day, holidays included, until 8.00 p.m. On York and Rome until July 31. Mondays, which is traditionally the closing day, they will be open in the morning. Florence: Palazzo Strozzi: The Sublime Art of Ancient Egypt, 60 masterpieces from Cairo Museum, March 6- On the 25th of June, after 20 years of restoration, one July 4. of the most beautiful and interesting monuments of Rome has been reopened to the public: the Domus Aurea, Naples: Museo di Capodimonte: Simone Martini- the fabulous palace that Emperor Nero built as his private Caravaggio until July 31. residence after the big fire of Rome in 64 A.D. The new imperial city covered a total surface of about VENICE BIENNALE 80 acres including gardens and other buildings. The June 13 - November 7 main palace is located on a hill called Colle Oppio. After The ideological, physical and artistic dimension is given many centuries of oblivion the Domus Aurea can be by the title the curator Harold Szeemann has chosen: visited again today thanks to a new special technology dAPERtutto/APERTO overALL, APERTO parTOUT, which preserves the palace sealed in order to keep a APERTO berALL. steady temperature and prevents polluting agents from He invited 99 artists (10 Italians), most of them from endangering the building. Visitors East. The Chinese are more numerous than Americans. are admitted only to guided The surface is 4000m2. larger than in the past editions. tours (about 40 minutes), The great old generation has been privileged. in groups of 25 people max. THEATRE Advance booking is needed: Luca Ronconi completes a five years experience as Tel. 003906-39749907 artistic director of Teatro di Roma and goes to Piccolo or 003906-4815576. Teatro di Milano to replace Giorgio Strehler. By a twist of fate his last successful production in Rome was "Samuel's Alcesti" by Alberto Savinio, a play that was staged once only before, by Giorgio Strehler in 1950. Salvatore Quasimodo praised Strehler's direction, Apollo riding a mule, although he criticised the text. It was a flop in the first Museum of Villa Giulia, Rome edition, but highly appreciated in its second staging. The play is highly sophisticated. The action takes place

Italian Cultural Events In I taly in Germany and deals with the war and Holocaust.

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