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by Tiziana Di Giovannandrea November 23, 2019The President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, visited South Tyrol in Tirolo Castle, above Merano, to celebrate solemnly the 100th anniversary of the Saint-Germain Peace Treaty that united Alto Adige with Italy , the 80 from the Options and the 50 years from the approval of the Autonomy Package with the 137 rules that gave birth to the second Statute of the South Tyrolean autonomy, together with the Austrian counterpart Alexander Van der Bellen.

Mattarella was keen to stress that " outside of Europe there is no sovereignty and independence . In the great European context, each people knows they represent a minority, because Europe is born composite and its strength lies in knowing how to unite diversity. Over the centuries identities, traditions, ways of living, to be respected and safeguarded have gradually been affirmed, their synthesis represents the greatest wealth of European civilization, I firmly believe that we have contributed and are contributing to all this in South Tyrol, South Tyrol. South Tyrolean, South Tyrolean, German-speaking, Italian, Ladin-speaking, they represent what the President "of the Province of Bolzano and Trentino Alto Adige, Arno Kompatscher, has hoped," '' a small Europe in the heart of Europe. Thanks! Vielen Dank! " .

The Head of State then wanted to emphasize that " Alto Adige Sudtirolo is an absolute unicum ". "The Alto Adige Sudtirolo - the President of the Republic added, continuing his intervention full of historical references and emotions - constitutes an example of autonomy at the world level, which ensures not only the serene coexistence, but the harmonious development of this extraordinary territory" .

The Austrian president Alexander Van der Bellen has instead underlined the "common responsibility to guarantee the development of South Tyrol for the protection of the language, culture and tradition" where "the main function of autonomy is and remains the protection of the population of German and Ladin language, as well as their linguistic, cultural, social and economic characteristics ".

"The autonomy of South Tyrol is our common good, the common home for all language groups, a model capable of overcoming ethnic conflicts", emphasized governor Arno Kompatscher.

Mattarella then pointed out that "between Italy and Austria there is a relationship based on trust and loyalty. When these elements prevailed over divisive preconceptions, it has been possible to take important steps forward. Whenever these ingredients are missing, misunderstandings have occurred , the differences have prevailed, the stalemate has been generated ".

Finally, Mattarella and Van der Bellen went to Bolzano to lay a wreath together at the memorial site of the Bolzano concentration camp. The new illuminated installation shows the names of the prisoners of the concentration camp.