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News from the Mission

Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma Ambassador Mitchell visited Rome

Rome, January 31/February 1, 2012 -- Special Representative and Policy Coordinator for Burma Ambassador Mitchell visited Rome January 31 to February 1 for meetings with Italian officials and the Holy See.
"Why Europe Matters to the United States", Remarks by the U.S. Ambassador David H. Thorne at Aspen Italia

Milan, January 30, 2012 -- Distinguished guests, I would first like to thank Undersecretary Marta Dassu and Ambassador Giancarlo Aragona for having organized this event, and I thank Dr. Tremonti, Professor Fortis and Dr. Maggioni for their presence, as well.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Prime Minister Monti of Italy

February 9, 2012 -- President Obama will host Prime Minister Mario Monti of Italy at the White House on Thursday, February 9th. Italy and the United States are close NATO allies, and coordinate continuously on a full range of regional and global priorities.
Costa Concordia Shipwreck

January 15, 2012 -- The United States Embassy in Rome sends its condolences to the families of those passengers of the Costa Concordia cruise ship who died in a shipwreck off the coast of Tuscany early this morning. The welfare of American citizens in Italy is the highest priority of the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and the U.S. Embassy in Rome and the U.S. Consulate in Florence are working with local officials and the families of the passengers to provide assistance to Americans affected by the accident.
U.S. Ambassador to Italy Visits 6th Fleet Headquarters

Naples, November 15, 2011 -- The Honorable David Thorne, U.S. Ambassador to Italy, visited senior leadership at the U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters on the Naval Support Activity in Naples, Italy, Nov. 15. Upon his arrival, Thorne received official honors from the U.S. 6th Fleet staff honor guard and was greeted by Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.
“Saving Cultural Heritage in Crisis Areas”, U.S. Ambassador Thorne’s Remarks at the American Academy in Rome

Rome, November 4, 2011 -- Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a pleasure for me to speak with you today about such an important and timely subject – the protection and preservation of cultural heritage in war zones. And it is gratifying to see assembled here so many of the individuals who play a direct and active role in this work and who are truly the leaders in this field.
“We Are With Rome, but Now It’s Time for Reforms”, Interview with Ambassador David Thorne

Rome, October 31, 2011 -- The following interview appeared on the daily "La Stampa" of October 31, 2011 [...] “Wearing a crew-necked sweater, his hands in constant motion and in an English filled with Italian expressions, the US Ambassador to Rome David Thorne talks about the new phase of bilateral relations focused on the economic emergency to express support to Berlusconi’s commitment to introduce reforms clarifying, however, that ‘it is the beginning of a path,’ and now they ‘must be turned into actions.’
"Italy-USA: Acting Together Against Economic Crisis", Op-Ed by U.S. Ambassador Thorne

Rome, October 17, 2011 -- The following Op-Ed appeared on the daily "La Stampa" of October 17, 2011 [...] This year Italy celebrated its 150th anniversary of unification, in the company of the Vice President of the United States and other distinguished Americans.
Building a future for the students of l’Aquila

L'Aquila, September 28, 2011 -- The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) devoted their hearts and resources to assist students affected by L’Aquila’s devastating 2009 earthquake and the results were inaugurated today at a ceremony at the University of L’Aquila.
Chef Louisa Shafia visits Villa Taverna Orto

Rome, September 27, 2011 -- Louisa Shafia, a well-known New York sustainable chef and author of the award-winning book “Lucid Food: Cooking for an Eco-Conscious Life”, followed the wife of Ambassador Thorne, Mrs. Rose Thorne.
Remarks by Ambassador David H. Thorne at the Astronaut's Reception

Rome, September 19, 2011 -- [...] I am pleased that we have with us today so many young space professionals and Masters degree students of space science, who I hope will be inspired to further the great Italian and European tradition in space.
"Made in U.S.A." music night in Rome with Female Cut

Rome, September 18, 2011 -- The night of September 18th together with Female Cut we celebrated “Made in U.S.A.” with hundreds of Italian and American friends at Circolo degli Artisti. The night showcased American and Italian women artists, with photograph and visual art from MondoPop gallery.
Assistant Secretary Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones Visits Rome

Rome, September 14-16, 2011 -- Dr. Jones is the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs in the U.S. Department of State. She was in Rome on September 14-16 to participate in the “Towards A Safer World” conference.
Discorso in occasione della deposizione di una corona commemorativa con il Sindaco Alemanno

Roma, 11 settembre 2011 -- Sono onorato di unirmi al Sindaco Alemanno ed ai nostri illustri ospiti in un giorno così importante, in questo luogo storico e simbolico. Quando arrivai a Roma due anni fà, uno dei miei primi atti ufficiali fu partecipare all'inaugurazione di tale monumento insieme all’allora Presidente della Camera dei Rappresentanti Nancy Pelosi.
Death of a great American artist

Rome, July 6, 2011 -- Cy Twombly, an important American artist who came to Italy in 1957, has died in Rome. Our condolences go to his family and friends. We will miss his presence, and are proud that one of his paintings hangs in the Ambassador’s residence, Villa Taverna.

U.S. Policy News

Remarks by Secretary Clinton, Algerian Foreign Minister Medelci

January 12, 2012 -- Good morning, everyone, and it’s a pleasure to welcome Foreign Minister Medelci here to Washington for consultations. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him now and it’s a great tribute to the strong bilateral relationship between our two countries that we have ongoing consultations like this.
The Passing of National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il

December 19, 2011 -- With the passing of National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is now in a period of national mourning.
Statement of President Obama on the death of Vaclav Havel

December 18, 2011 -- I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing today of Vaclav Havel, a playwright and prisoner of conscience who became President of Czechoslovakia and of the Czech Republic.
Keynote Address at the National Democratic Institute's 2011 Democracy Awards Dinner

November 7, 2011 -- [...] Thank you. Well, it’s a great pleasure for me to be here this evening. And I thank my friend and my predecessor, Madeleine Albright, for not only that kind introduction, but for her extraordinary leadership, and in particular of NDI.
Statement by the President on the Earthquake in Turkey.

October 23, 2011 -- We have been following reports of the earthquake in Turkey's eastern province of Van with great concern. On behalf of the American people, I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
President Obama on the Passing of Steve Jobs: "He changed the way each of us sees the world."

Washington, October 5, 2011 -- Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.
July-December, 2010 International Religious Freedom Report

September 13, 2011 -- [...] We publish this report in tumultuous times that underscore the importance of freedom of religion to peaceful political and economic development, democratic institutions, and flourishing societies. Religious freedom is the right of all human beings, a fundamental tenet of the 1948 Universal Declaration on Human Rights, and protected under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Remarks by the President on the Way Forward in Afghanistan

June 22, 2011 -- The information that we recovered from bin Laden’s compound shows al Qaeda under enormous strain. Bin Laden expressed concern that al Qaeda had been unable to effectively replace senior terrorists that had been killed, and that al Qaeda has failed in its effort to portray America as a nation at war with Islam -– thereby draining more widespread support.
Remarks by Vice President Biden and Italian President Napolitano to the Press in Rome

Rome, June 1, 2011 -- [...] Mr. President, thank you very much. It’s a genuine honor to be here. I and President Obama -- I'm delighted that President Obama spent last week in Europe and meeting with you in Warsaw, because that meant I could come to Italy. He was unable to stay out of the country much longer, and I am flattered that I am able to be here.
Italy's Republic Day

June 1, 2011 -- On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Italy on your 65th Republic Day this June 2. Italians throughout our history have helped shape the American landscape. From sports and entertainment to science and technology, our exchanges of people, ideas and culture have strengthened this already robust relationship.