Italy is responding to the usual
cliches about Sicily by holding the Group of Seven summit in
Taormina, ex-premier and Democratic Party leader Matteo Renzi
said Friday.
Recalling that the summit had been destined for his native
Florence, Renzi said "we decided to move it when, during an
international meeting, some leader made one too many quips about
Sicily, on its stereotypes and prejudices."
"Today Italy is responding to the cliches with the
superlative setting of Taormina, with the Theatre, with La Scala
playing in a breathtaking setting, with Etna, with the beauty of
the values of Sicily and the Sicilians," Renzi said on Facebook.
"You know my love of Florence but (when we made the decision)
we thought it was right to send a signal to say that the South
and Sicily are full of pearls that can enchant the world.
"And the Florentines were the first to understand this and to
forgive us".
"Starting with the welcome, the culture, the curiosities, the
images that will travel around the world will be an
advertisement for tourism but also, and above all, a universal
message of education and culture".
"To those who live off prejudices, Italy is responding today
with Beauty. Viva Taormina, viva Italy!".
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