Andreotti on Malta's "historic year"

Life senator Giulio Andreotti said this year, when the people voted to join the European Union, was a historic one for Malta.

Sig. Andreotti, who was yesterday paying a courtesy visit to President Guido de Marco at the Palace in Valletta, said Malta's membership would complete Europe's design.

He praised the excellent relations between Malta and Italy and said he was very happy to be visiting the island at such a historic time.

Seven times prime minister of Italy, Sig. Andreotti arrived yesterday morning, to deliver the Giorgio Borg Olivier Memorial lecture at the Auberge d'Aragon, Valletta, last night.

Prof. de Marco recalled Sig. Andreotti's friendship and commitment to Malta in the past, especially when the island was looking to join the EU.

"The Maltese have voted to join this union and all political parties have accepted the people's will - we will join the EU united and no longer divided," he said.

Sig. Andreotti also paid a visit to Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami in the morning.

He was invited by the Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment, AZAD, which is marking the 23rd anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister George Borg Olivier in collaboration with the Fondazzjoni Borg Olivier.

Sig. Andreotti, 84, leaves today.