The representatives of exiles were received by the president of the City of Rijeka Council Dorotea Pešić-Bukovac and by deputy majors Miroslav Matešić and Željko Jovanović, who informed the guests about the news that had taken place in Rijeka since their last visit.
The representative of the Free Municipality of Rijeka in exile Guido Brazzoduro said that whenever they visited Rijeka they had the feeling of belonging to Rijeka, what they could experience a day before during the holy mass in Italian, regularly organised within the celebration of the St Vitus' Day. The reception was also attended by Laura Calci-Chiozzi and Mario Stalzer from the Free Municipality of Rijeka in exile, representatives of the Society of Rijeka studies from Rome Amleto Ballarini e Marino Michich.
The guests presented the most recent edition of the Dictionary of the Rijeka dialect and the latest number of the magazine dedicated to Adriatic studies "Fiume" (Rijeka) to be presented during the manifestation organised by the Italian Community living in Rijeka on the occasion of the St. Vitus' Day. The representatives of Italian exiles pointed out that after bureaucratic problems, they had managed to start the renewal of tombs at Kozala Cemetery, which are the protected monuments of cultural heritage. They took the occasion to ask the City of Rijeka and the utility company Kozala for assistance during the renewal of the tombs, and the deputy mayor Jovanović said that the renewal of monuments was also in the interest of the City of Rijeka. Also, this week the Society of Rijeka studies will assign the prizes for the best works received during the 20th literary competition of Italian elementary and secondary schools in the premises of the Italian Secondary School.
The representatives of Italian exiles were accompanied by Fulvio Rustico general consul of Italy in Rijeka, Agnese Superina, president of the Italian Community Rijeka and Roberto Palisca, president of the Executive Board of the Italian Community Rijeka. Consul Rustico pointed out that by giving the tradition reception for Italian exiles the City of Rijeka reaffirms to be a city of European spirit, a city that protects European values – multicultural and multiethnic aspects, thus enabling a continuous dialog between the citizens of Rijeka and the Italian exiles.
The president of the City Council Pešić-Bukovac also confirmed that the co-operation with the Italian national minority in Rijeka was exceptional, pointing out that the City of Rijeka had recognised great commitment by consul Rustico, who at the solemn session of the City Council held a week before had been assigned the golden plaque "The Coat of Arms of the City of Rijeka" for exceptional contribution to the development and promotion of the reputation and interest of the City of Rijeka in relationships with the Italian Republic.
On behalf of the Italian Community Rijeka Agnese Superina pointed out her conviction that the Community has been giving huge contribution to the cultural life of Rijeka.
(S.R.)