Fabio Fabbri, the Italian Ambassador to Ukraine, gave a reception in Kyiv to celebrate Republic Day, Italy’s national holiday.
The ceremony was held at the National Philharmonic, with carabineers saluting every guest. The Italians were greeted by diplomats from various countries, numerous Ukrainian politicians, former and current Members of Parliament, businesspeople, and scholarly and cultural figures. There was a friendly atmosphere in the hall, and people were heard speaking many languages. Even irreconcilable political adversaries were tolerant of each other at this soiree.
Drinking a glass or two of excellent wine and tasting exquisite Italian cuisine, the guests and hosts discussed all kinds of issues. Having switched off their cell phones and taking a rest from their daily routine, they relished the opportunity to talk informally with British Ambassador Robert Brinkley, Polish Ambassador Jacek Kluczkowski, Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy Vsevolod Loskutov, director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Kyiv Nicola Franco Balloni, Kyiv’s Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky, parliamentarians Anatoliy Kinakh, Viktor Pinchuk, Mykola Azarov, and Andriy Shkil, conductors Volodymyr Kozhukhar and Roman Kofman, singer Ala Pozdniak, and many others.
The Italian Embassy generously contributes to the development of cultural ties between our two countries by helping to develop joint projects and organizing artistic tours. The May 28 premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Manon Lescaut caused quite a ripple among music aficionados. The opera was staged by the Italian producer Italo Nunziata and conducted by Keri Lynn Wilson, an American of Ukrainian origin. Another gift awaits us on June 4, when we will have a chance to hear the famous Lucia Aliberti (dramatic soprano) accompanied by the Kyiv Chamber Orchestra (conductor Roman Kofman).
We managed to speak to the host Fabio Fabbri, who gave a blitz interview to our newspaper.
“Mr. Ambassador, could you tell us how Republic Day is celebrated in Italy?”
“This year we are marking the 60th anniversary of the Italian Republic. In a referendum held on June 2, 1946, 55 percent of Italians voted for a republic, i.e., against monarchy and fascism.
“New Italy was built on republican and democratic principles. According to tradition, we celebrate this holiday very extravagantly. There is a parade in Rome; the president of the republic hosts a reception to which he invites the entire diplomatic corps, leading Italian politicians and other celebrities. In the evening, the festivities are crowned with fireworks and celebrations all over the country.”
“Your country recently held an election. In spite of difficulties, Italian politicians managed to form a coalition government. In Ukraine this problem has yet to be solved. Could you reveal the Italians’ secret of forming a coalition?”
“We have long experience with democracy: some parties lose and others win, but this time the margin was so narrow that the politicians had to make a deal resulting in the formation of a coalition cabinet headed by Romano Prodi. In fact, the change of government in Italy did not affect our country’s strategic course, especially as far as foreign policy is concerned. Today the center-left coalition has won. We are optimistic about the future.
“Prodi is an experienced politician and former president of the European Commission. Naturally, as prime minister, he is bound to face a lot of economic and social problems, but he will be able to resolve the most complex issues owing to his broad political experience. It took Italy one month to form a coalition government, but Ukraine is still unable to bring this process to its logical end. Perhaps your politicians are overly concerned with details, and the negotiations are dragging on.
“Forming a coalition is a very important event that makes it possible to live a normal life afterwards. Who will head the cabinet and what kind of coalition will be formed is important not only for your country but all of Europe. In Italy a coalition existed long before the elections, and now the question is how to implement the program announced during the election campaign. You know that when there are a lot of parties, the formation of a coalition always causes problems. In our country, if politicians think about the future of their country, they always make deals. A politician must learn to avoid sharp corners. I am optimistic and think that Ukraine will form a strong coalition very soon.”
“Does Prime Minister Prodi plan to visit Ukraine and if so, when?”
“We are all looking to Ukraine forming a government as soon as possible. What course will Ukraine choose? As soon as these problems are solved, I think Prime Minister Romano Prodi will be able to pay a visit to Ukraine. Incidentally, President Viktor Yushchenko said he was sorry he could not visit Italy last year. I think a visit by Ukraine’s leader to Italy will be possible in the nearest future. We must develop the closest possible ties with each other in various fields, and our side will do its best to this end.”
