The President of the Fondazione Mediterraneo, Michele Capasso, welcomed the Honorary Consul of Japan, Prof. Alberto Carotenuto and presented him with the “2012 Mediterranean Award for Information” dedicated to the memory of the Japanese journalist Mika Yamamoto “who sacrificed her own life at the age of 45, when she was killed in cross-fire between rebels and Syrian army soldiers in Aleppo. She will be remembered for the spirit with which she informed the world of the crimes against humanity so that such savagery can be halted in the name of civilization, promotion of human rights and peace”.

Pia Molinari and other members of the Fondazione Mediterraneo took part, together with representatives from different countries, including diplomats and dignitaries from the world of culture, science, politics, religion and the armed forces, the Mayors of the Amalfi Coast (UNESCO cultural heritage) who support and promote the “Totem for Peace” (by Mario Molinari).

Those attending included

A solemn ceremony was held for the signature of an important memorandum of understanding between ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the Fondazione Mediterraneo. It was attended by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, the World President of ICOMOS Gustavo Araoz, as well as ambassadors and representatives of European and Arabic countries.

The international jury of the Mediterranean Award has given this prestigious acknowledgment in the Diplomacy Section to US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton “for her actions to promote a new US policy in the Mediterranean, thanks to which it has been possible to support the Arab Spring and the democratization process in Arab countries based on freedom and solidarity”.