July 9, 2023 Gela, Siracusa [As Prepared for Delivery] Good evening. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Gela and Naval Air Station Sigonella for organizing this important event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Husky. I am honored to be here in the presence of our distinguished guests. I would like to acknowledge …
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“Take Action” was the theme of the all-virtual “space” weekend that NASA Space Apps kicked off on October 2 starting with a virtual bootcamp followed by the two-day hackathon on October 3-4. During the hackathon, the participants collaborated remotely in eight groups on different challenges, proposing innovative solutions to win the title of Galactic Problem-Solver.
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After departing the Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia on July 27, Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) arrived in port in Naples, Italy, for a routine logistics stop on Aug. 13, 2020. The ship is 784 feet-long (230 meters) and features a 52,000 square-foot (4,830 square-meter) flight deck. It is designed support special operations, aviation, command and control, and staff support in …
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“The medical supplies that today the American Navy delivers to the Sea Hospital are part of a substantial package of assistance to Italy. The United States stands by our friends and allies, especially when a joint effort is needed in the face of global challenges,” Consul General Mary Avery said during the presentation of the …
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Following her arrival at the Catania airport, Consul General (CG) Mary Avery toured the Enel Innovation Hub & Lab, one of three research laboratories and innovation centers of the Enel Group. During the visit, CG Avery was welcomed by two International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumni from Catania, Antonio Perdichizzi and Enrica Arena, who discussed …
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Consul General Mary visited Bari, Grottaglie and Martina Franca during her first official trip to Puglia. CG Avery met with Bari’s Deputy Prefect Rossana Riflesso, Mayor Antonio Decaro and University of Bari Rector Stefano Bronzini to discuss an array of issues, including the positive impact of U.S. tourism in the area, recent developments in commercial …
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Consul General Mary Avery, USG Marines and Consulate staff celebrated Thanksgiving preparing and serving lunch to 20 less fortunate people at San Giuseppe’s convent, Sisters of Charity. “This is a truly unique holiday. It is an opportunity to share the joy of a meal, and be grateful for all the happiness we have in our …
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In conjunction with the 12th annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) – designed to celebrate self-starting innovators and connect entrepreneurs to potential collaborators, mentors, and investors – Consul General Mary Avery visited the Apple, Deloitte, and Cisco academies at the Federico II University of Naples.
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This edition of Coding Girls – the national STEM education program sponsored by the U.S. Mission to Italy and Rome-based NGO Fondazione Mondo Digitale, in collaboration with Microsoft Italy – doubled last year’s numbers, expanding to 14 cities. Reaching 10,000 young Italians, Coding Girls imparted key skills for future employment along with demonstrating that coding …
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Promoted by NASA and co-organized by PA Naples, this intense worldwide weekend-hackathon involved nearly 200 participants and 18 teams. Public Affairs Officer Karen Schinnerer, together with key partner representatives, presented the cash awards to the first-place ten-member team “Seaherd,” which developed a project “Jellybot” to eliminate microplastic in the oceans; second place “Apollo 11” team …
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“On behalf of the U.S. Government, I would like to thank all the Sicilian people for the continuous friendship. Sicily and the United States of America are linked by a long common history, based in immigration, the shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and in our mutual security. More than 25 million Americans have …
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“I am grateful to you all for your support, friendship, and three beautiful impactful years. My time here in Naples has been enriched by continuous discoveries and engaging welcoming people. I have had the opportunity, these past three years, to see the beauty of this land, but also the potential and the commitment to a …
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Joe Di Maggio, Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra and Frank Zappa were among the many famous Americans the city of Noto paid tribute to at its famous “Infiorata,” a flower festival taking place every spring in the historic center of the Sicilian baroque town.After meeting with Mayor of Noto Corrado Bonfanti, Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman …
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“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind”. 50 years ago, on July 20, the world heard these famous words as Neil Armstrong lowered onto the surface of the Moon for the first time. The Consulate General in Naples celebrated this anniversary with screenings of the Sundance documentary “The Mars Generation” …
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“Basketball and sport in general help to improve self-esteem and self-confidence,” and “you have to be focused on goals and keep a determined attitude toward them.” These are some of the remarks given by WNBA and NBA stars Cynthia Cooper and Casey Shaw during a 2-day-program in Naples and Castel Volturno. “Teamwork, commitment, discipline, but …
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During a full-day visit to Naples, Ambassador Lewis M. Eisenberg had the opportunity to tour the three digital academies created by U.S. companies Apple, Cisco and Deloitte at the University of Naples, Federico II. After meeting with the rector of Federico II University, Gaetano Manfredi, Ambassador Eisenberg interacted with students of the digital academies that …
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During a two-day-trip to the southern regions of Puglia and Basilicata, Ambassador Eisenberg had the opportunity to visit the Leonardo factory in Grottaglie, where parts of the Boeing 787 fuselage are assembled, as well as the city of Matera, which was awarded the coveted title of 2019 European Capital of Culture.In Grottaglie, after touring the …
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The importance of product, the value of marketing, the identification of the target audience: these are the fundamental aspects for achieving a successful business. Elissa Bloom – Executive Director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Center City – shared best practices, case studies and lessons learned with NGOs, entrepreneurships, and fashion business associations at …
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Whether it was “When the saints go marching in,” My girl” or “Stand by me,” the high-energy performances of the U.S. Navy “Topside Brass Band” at the “Almond Blossom Festival” were a memorable success!As part of the annual ten-day Festival celebrating cultural diversity, our Consulate arranged for an ensemble of seven Navy Band musicians to …
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The fifth edition of Coding Girls—the national STEM education program sponsored by the U.S. Mission to Italy and Rome-based NGO Fondazione Mondo Digitale in collaboration with Microsoft Italy —held programs in Naples, Catania and, for the first time, Salerno. Starting this year, the Coding Girls association, which has a network of over 25 hubs throughout …
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“We are happy to give back to the community and to help clean this park, which is a city treasure, and we at the Consulate almost consider our backyard.” Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman, Consulate staff, and Marine security guards took part in an Italy-wide cleanup initiative called #OggiRaccolgoIo (meaning, “today it’s my turn to …
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A game using images from the Hubble Space Telescope as integral components. A sensor to be used by humans on Mars. Or an app that helps informs people about upcoming rocket launches and space flights. These are some examples of Space Apps Naples’s 2018 results. The two-day hackathon produced 28 amazing projects, realized over a …
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On September 26 U.S. chef and television star Marc Murphy visited the culinary high school “Ignazio e Vincenzo Florio” in Erice, Sicily. Before his workshop with students, Murphy, who is a fluent Italian speaker, shared his experience growing up in Italy and France and learning about food, and his work as a television star and …
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“Seventy-five years ago today, Allied forces led in part by the United States began the liberation of mainland southern Italy from the Nazis, landing on these beaches”. On September 9 – the date of the Operation Avalanche D-Day – Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman attended the ceremony for the anniversary of the Allied Landing in …
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Consul General Countryman visited the city of Pollica, located in Campania’s Park of Cilento and Valle di Diano, Italy’s second largest national park. Mayor of Pollica Stefano Pisani and Legambiente IVLP alumnus Valerio Calabrese welcomed CG Countryman and offered her a tour of the local “Living Museum of the Sea” and “Living Museum of the …
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“Molise has been one of the first regions of Southern Italy that I visited. I was here in Campobasso about a year and a half ago – said Consul General Countryman on Twitter – and I promised I would be back here soon.” This time Consul General Countryman met first with the Prefect of Campobasso, …
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On June 29, CG Countryman traveled to the Sicilian community center FARM, near Agrigento, to attend the opening of “Detroit Syndrome,” an art exhibition focused on the city of Detroit and featuring American photographer Geoff George. The exhibition was organized by Sicilian IVLP Andrea Bartoli as a follow-up to his participation in a Southern Italy-focused …
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Ambassador Eisenberg visited Palermo, his first trip to Sicily’s capital, which is also the Italian Capital of Culture for 2018. After touring the Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (ISMETT) which he described as “an excellent example of successful cooperation between the United States and Sicily,” he met with Palermo Prefect Antonella De …
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On the evening of June 28, Ambassador Lewis Eisenberg and Consul General Countryman welcomed about 100 guests to Villa Niscemi, the representation HQ of the Municipality. The official U.S. Independence Day celebration moved back to Sicily’s capital after being held for three years in Catania. The official program included remarks by the Consul General, the …
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U.S. Consulate General Naples facilitated two speaking programs with Carter and Olivia Ries, two American teenagers who launched their NGO “One More Generation” in 2009 to empower youth around the world to create solutions for the pressing issues of today. Focused on the dangers of plastic pollution, the Ries siblings spoke with approximately 150 students …
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On May 10, U.S. Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman hosted over 50 U.S.-Italy exchange program alumni originally from southern Italy at her residence, underlining in her remarks that “the mutual understanding and collaboration that are the result of these exchanges are critical to peace, cooperation, and problem solving in today’s increasingly challenging and globalized world.”
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The Bari edition of Corriere del Mezzogiorno highlighted the event with an article under the headline “American Studies Relaunched with U.S. Embassy Support.” Praise for the Embassy’s initiative was effusive: Rector Uricchio called it a “Mini Marshall Plan” for American Studies in Italy. Professor Lorena Carbonara related that she has already received several thesis requests …
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During an extended visit across Sicily, U.S. Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman met Governor of Sicily Nello Musumeci, with whom she discussed continuing collaboration on an array of shared interests, and several other key officials: Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, the prefects of Ragusa and Agrigento, and the mayors of Agrigento and the small town …
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Energetic rhythms, Tejano sound, rock and jazz elements, and appreciative audiences – these are the ingredients that made the Sicilian tour of Max Baca & Los Texmaniacs a success. The band, which won a Grammy award in 2010, brought conjunto tejano music to Sicily, a unique music genre that comprises various forms of folk and …
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Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman hosted an informal coffee for three of the four exchange participants selected for a special International Visitor Leadership Program on Economic Development and Urban Revitalization. The participants include Alessandra Clemente, Naples Alderwoman for Youth, Simmaco Perillo, founder of Caserta-based NGO ‘Aldilà dei Sogni’ (Beyond Dreams), Andrea Bartoli, founder of Sicily’s …
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Italian and American holiday traditions came together again for the second year when U.S. Marines from the Marine Security Guard Detachment at the U.S. Consulate General in Naples returned to local NGO ‘La Tenda’ as part of the “Toys for Tots” program. Owen, Jacob, Anthony, and Andrew visited a youth community center located in the …
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During a ceremony held at local publishing house Guida, the Naples chapter of Amerigo, a cultural association that brings together Italian alumni of U.S. Department of State exchange programs, hosted the second edition of the “Four Freedoms” literary prize.
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As part of his first visit to Naples, Ambassador Lewis M. Eisenberg met with Mayor Luigi de Magistris. Ambassador Eisenberg expressed words of appreciation for the city, which is the first outside of Rome that the Ambassador has visited in his official capacity since his arrival in Italy.
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As U.S. Ambassador, it’s important for me to visit as many regions in Italy as possible to gain a deeper understanding of this country, which is such a close friend of the United States. Naples is the first city outside of Rome that I am visiting in my official capacity: and this is entirely appropriate …
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On September 28, Consul General Countryman hosted a reception on the Consulate’s terrace for local contacts in innovation and entrepreneurship. She delivered welcome remarks to approximately 70 guests, including regional government representatives, members of the local business community, universities, and the Apple iOS Developer Academy, underscoring her goal, from the day she arrived in Naples, …
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On September 25, American Chef Marc Murphy partnered with top Neapolitan pizza maker Ciro Salvo for a cooking workshop for 45 youth held at “La Gloriette,” a Naples-based NGO focused on equal opportunities/inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman, as well as the city Alderwoman for Youth attended the event and …
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American chef and television star Marc Murphy represented the United States at the 20th edition of the Cous Cous Fest, the International Festival of Cultural Integration held in San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily September 20-23. The Cous Cous Fest theme “Welcome Diversity” allowed Murphy to highlight some core American themes, such as the value of …
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Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman supported several cultural events and public diplomacy programs during a trip to Sicily, September 18-22. On September 19, she met with Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando to discuss Palermo’s plans as Italy’s “Capital of Culture” for 2018, and she attended a performance at Palermo’s Teatro Massimo. On September 21, she …
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” With this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman closed her remarks in Pompei on the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the United States. On September 11, the city …
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“The enduring bond between Americans and Italians continues to be based on a shared spirit of generosity and compassion, a culture of tolerance and respect for others, a mutual love of liberty, and a long history of partnership in business, the arts, science, and politics.” With these words Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman underlined the …
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First, I want to thank the Italian and American civilian and military representatives who are here with us tonight. We honor your service and dedication to country and people. It’s a special honor for me to welcome this evening the Prefect of Naples Carmela Pagano, the Mayor of Naples Luigi De Magistris, as well as …
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This year’s edition in Naples was a huge success: 155 participants, 16 teams, many interesting ideas and projects developed in the new Federico II University facilities, which also hosted the opening event of the third Naples edition of Space Apps. “Southern Italy has a solid reputation for science, with high quality university programs in engineering, …
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“Things have become easier as I moved up in my career path, but not because my job is easier. Things have become easier also because men have changed their mindsets, and are now very supportive of women in the workplace.” Consul General Countryman spoke at an International Women’s Day event hosted by the Allied Joint …
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Naples-based online outlet Fanpage.it published a video-interview with Chargé d’Affaires Kelly Degnan in connection with International Women’s Day. After highlighting her participation in the “Showcase USA-Italia” event in Naples, she notes that International Women’s day “is an opportunity to celebrate not only the achievements of prominent women in our countries, but also the important contribution …
Read More» Today, I want to talk to you about the State Department’s commitment to promoting women’s rights through U.S. foreign policy, especially since 1995 when we established the Global Office of Women’s Issues. For over twenty years, this office has worked to ensure that women’s issues are considered in formulating and conducting our foreign policy. It’s …
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Consul General Countryman visited Basilicata, achieving her goal of visiting all six regions of the Naples consular district in the first six months of her tenure. The CG paid introductory calls on the mayors of Potenza, Matera and Melfi, and the prefects of the first two cities. She also toured stunning wonders of the South …
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He discussed security issues in the Mediterranean, with a special emphasis on Russia’s use of disinformation and how to counter the spread of fake news on social media. Czuperski delivered a presentation at Suor Orsola Benincasa University entitled, “The End of Secrets, the Power of Open Source,” to approximately 15 School of Journalism Master’s students. …
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“It’s great to see so many students from so many schools involved. IMUN has proven itself to be a huge success, thanks to the interest and enthusiasm of thousands of young people. You had a unique educational experience: to become ‘budding ambassadors and diplomats,’ and to get closer to the world of diplomacy and international …
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On January 18, Sicilian NGO Mosaic launched a three-day workshop aimed at providing job skills to a group of 15 young migrants aged 15-18 coming from six different African countries – Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, and Mauritius. They are currently hosted at migrant or refugee centers in Palermo. This initiative was an opportunity …
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On January 5, Steven, Tristan, Luis, Travis and Dave, of U.S. Consulate General Naples’ Marine Security Guard Detachment, visited ‘La Tenda,’ a youth community center located in the Naples district of Sanità that has operated for 15 years in support of disadvantaged children and teenagers, to distribute toys, play, and sing together in anticipation of …
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Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman, with a group of Marines, and other consulate volunteers cooked and served a bountiful Thanksgiving meal to approximately 30 homeless Italians and migrants at the daily soup kitchen run by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Naples, at the “Saint Louise de Marillac” Convent, located near …
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On November 17, Coding Girls tour made a stop in Naples, where the program was sponsored for the second consecutive year in a constant effort to promote STEM studies, particularly among young women who seek equal opportunities to express their talents. In this edition, Coding Girls workshops were organized at four Neapolitan schools, where US …
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About one hundred close contacts from the political, business, military, and cultural spheres, including Naples Prefect Gerarda Pantalone and U.S. and Italian military commanders from Capodichino, attended the U.S. Consulate General’s reception on November 9 to toast new U.S. President Elect Donald Trump. Several journalists from leading local print, broadcast, and online outlets widely reported …
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On his first visit to the southern region of Calabria October 3-5, Ambassador Phillips paid courtesy calls on Reggio Calabria Mayor Giuseppe Falcomatà and Reggio Calabria Prefect Michele Di Bari. During the trip, the Ambassador also gave remarks at a reception in honor of the official launch of the AmCham in Calabria, and had the …
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What are the barriers that women have to face to become leaders? What strengths do women leaders offer? How do we increase the number of women running for political office? These were the pivotal topics during a full-day program on September 30 at the University of Salerno, where U.S. speaker and women’s leadership expert Jessica …
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No hashtag could be better than #WelcomeDiversity at the Cous Cous Fest 2016, the ‘international festival of cultural integration,’ where 10 countries competed at the Cous Cous World Championship in San Vito lo Capo and some 50,000 visitors came to the event. On September 22, the Department of State’s American Chef Corps member Mary Sue …
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Consul General Mary Ellen Countryman visited Sicily, September 20-22, focusing on meetings and events in the Palermo area during her first visit. She met with Sicilian President Rosario Crocetta, Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando, Prefect of Palermo Antonella De Miro, and Palermo Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, who all were pleased that she chose to …
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The ‘American dream’ came true for 20 young students from Southern Italy who departed for the United States on August 23 for a three-week exchange program. The 2016 Youth Leadership Program (YLP), coordinated by the U.S. Consulate General in Naples in partnership with Indiana University and the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs at the …
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On August 29, 2016, Mary Ellen Countryman assumed the duties of U.S. Consul General in Naples. This is her third official assignment in Italy, a country that she loves, especially considering her passion for culinary traditions. Read her full biography.
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U.S. Consulate General Naples took part in several commemoration activities in Naples in honor of the victims of the terrible attack in Orlando, Florida, and coordinated closely with ArciGay and iKen, two local LGBTI organizations which held a candle light vigil and peaceful demonstration in front of the Consulate building.
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During a lively discussion on the U.S. Presidential Elections at the University of Calabria (UniCal) in Rende, Consul Barrosse talked about the myths and realities regarding the American vote. While at the university, which was the first American-style campus in Italy, the Consul General also met with President of Calabria Oliviero, along with Rector Crisci. …
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