Italians Show Great Respect for Slovakia and Figure of Stefanik, Ministers Agree

Rome, 19 March (TASR) - Italy has paid a tremendous tribute to Slovakia and one of the greatest figures in Slovak history, Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, and Vice-Premier and Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (both Slovak National Party/SNS nominees) concurred following the unveiling of a bust of Milan Rastislav Stefanik at the Campo Verano military cemetery in Rome on Thursday. Simkovicova admitted that when she initiated the installation of the M.R. Stefanik's bust in Rome - which is intended to symbolise the historical connection between Slovakia and Italy - she didn't expect it to be placed in such a significant location as the Campo Verano Cemetery. "We couldn't have wished for a more beautiful location; it's a sign of truly great respect, but also of recognition on the part of Italian officials that Stefanik and the Slovaks have an indisputable place in Italian history," said the culture minister, expressing her belief that, thanks to the bust, Verano could become another destination for Slovak tourists exploring Rome. Vice-Premier Tomas Taraba noted that Campo Verano is an iconic resting place for Italy's greatest heroes. "Moreover, the fact that the bust is located near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the heart of the cemetery, only underscores the significance of its location and the immense honour the Italians have bestowed upon us," he pointed out. He is convinced that this is an expression of the appreciation and significance that Italy attributes to the figure of M.R. Stefanik, as well as to the formation of the Czechoslovak Legions on its territory in 1918. "In the speeches by Italian officials, respect for what Stefanik, as well as the Slovaks in the legions, did for Italy was clearly obvious," he emphasised. "I'm extremely proud of the gravity and respect with which the Italian side approached this act, and I believe this also advances Slovak-Italian cooperation," he stated. am