As General Manager of the Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Sicily, and on behalf of  the other zooprophylactic institutes in Italy, I am pleased to welcome you all to this event. I am sure it will be an opportunity not only for an exchange of  ideas on interesting scientific topics, but also on a cultural and a personal level. I am convinced that the interchange of different experiences and cultures can definitely  strengthen and improve human relationship.

The European Community, of which we all are part, undoubtedly offers the opportunity for synthesis and organization which I know we should all wish for. Europe is such a vast and politically complex community that any attempt to place one of its capital cities at the centre would be extremely limitative: each one must be both the centre and the outskirts. Although, to some extent, the city of Palermo is considered the southern outskirt of Europe, it is indeed the centre of the Mediterranean. It is a meeting point and place of historical and cultural interest – the result of  century-long European influence. It would be impossible to talk about Palermo without mentioning the traces of the past which has brought fame and grandeur to the city.

Andrea Antonio Riela

The Greeks and the Romans have characterized the Mediterranean and all surrounding countries.  The Nordic populations brought their culture and knowledge, and integrated well with the Arabian culture, which had already enlightened the Mediterranean. In Palermo, Frederick II founded a modern civilization, the first seed of democracy and created the first Parliament, voice of widespread interests and needs.

Remember, I am looking forward meeting you at the Palazzo dei Normanni, the kings’ palace, for a pleasant and fruitful convention.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Andrea Antonio Riela

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