L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016 www.italoamericano.org 4 LOS ANGELES ITALIAN COMMUNITY Continued from page 1 David Block. H. E. took part as well to the roundtable and luncheon, held by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, on the challenging role of Italy within the European Union, that is facing the recent schism by Great Britain. Focus of the Ambassador's speech was to emphasize the importance of promoting Italian culture in the US, topic that could not be any fitter for its venue. Italy has a call to spread its cultural heritage, its capacity of overcoming challenges and "rolling up its sleeves," all over the world. Historically, Italians have always seen themselves as citi- zens of the world. That was par- ticularly true in our past and must be reinstated today. Italy has a lot to say, in the international debates about peace and the opening of the markets. Our country is proud to save so many human lives in the Mediterranean Sea, and, at the same time, it cooperates interna- tionally to better deal with the challenges, posed by the wide surges of immigrants and refugees. A real source of proud to our country comes from its special relation with the US. Millions of Americans, of Italian ancestry, along with myriad Italian expa- triates in North America, have been contributing extensively to shape what the United States are today. Ambassador Varricchio's warm remarks were about the numerous young people, who live and successfully work here. They don't represent a loss for Italy. Indeed, they disseminate Italian traditions, culture and lan- guage across the US. In conclusion, the Ambassador commended the Italian Institutions that play vital roles in the vibrant community of L.A. First and foremost the General Consulate of Italy and the IIC, despite being often left out with scarce resources. To which situation, the Ambassador is going to put remedy. But also, the rest of the so- called "Sistema Italia", com- posed by ICE ("Italian Trade Agency"), ENIT ("Italian Government Tourist Board") and the Chamber of Commerce West Italy-America. We are thankful to the Ambassador for having granted the following interview to L'Italo-Americano. Which are the goals you set to accomplish during your mandate? First of all, I'd like to stress out the excellent bilateral rela- tions between Italy and the US. As further proof of this fact, Italy's Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, is about to make an offi- cial visit to the White House, next week. Italy and US hold very sound ties, both on econom- ic relationships and international affairs. My main task is to further these ties and cooperate together with the US Government in the fight to maintain international safety, but also to extinguish the raising inequality that character- izes both Italy and the US. Simultaneously, I aim to strengthen the cultural ties - that are traditionally strong – between these two countries. Today's stories of Italy's young people and their entrepre- neurship and dynamism need to be told. The community of Italians liv- ing in the US has never stopped growing and, today, it can rely on a precious supply of fresh ener- gy. I'm talking about many suc- cessful young entrepreneurs and researchers, who find opportuni- ties to fulfill their potential here in the States. As I like to repeat often, dif- ferently from the older genera- tions of immigrants, these young- sters have round-trip tickets in their pockets. In the sense that they see themselves as Italian cit- izens, sometimes American, but always citizens of the world. This new generation moves and operates freely in the globe. Each of them is indeed an "ambassador" of Italy abroad. Sadly, current is the raising "brain drain" of Italians abroad. How may Italy be appealing again to young tal- ents and not instead a deter- ment to run away from? I'm aware of the impressive number of Italians, who are expa- triating this year, even more con- sistently than the previous ones. Based also on the high number of Ambassador Armando Varricchio and Consul General Antonio Verde at the roundtable and luncheon, held by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Continued to page 5 Mrs. Michaela Varricchio, Ambassador Armando Varricchio, Consul General Antonio Verde, IIC Director Valeria Rumori, Artist Alex Folla. Photo Courtesy of the IIC

• Cover