FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

* Italian Solidarity with the United States*

(WASHINGTON, DC – September 27, 2001) Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Renato Ruggiero met with National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Chairman Frank J. Guarini in New York City on Wednesday, September 26 to discuss Italy’s solidarity with the United States in its fight against terrorism.

“Minister Ruggiero arranged for our meeting to make it clear to all Americans and especially the 25 million Italian Americans that Italy stands with the United States one hundred percent and America has Italy’s solidarity and full support,” said NIAF Chairman Guarini. “He firmly stated that Italy will be one of America’s strongest allies,” Guarini added.

Earlier in the day, Minister Ruggiero met with some of the families of the victims of the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. Prior to his visit to New York City, he traveled to Washington, DC to meet with Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Chairman Guarini was joined by Italy’s Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Ferdinando Salleo; Consul General to Italy in New York, Giorgio Radicati; and several members of the NIAF board of directors including NIAF regional vice president, Vincenzo Marra and Justice Dominic Massaro.