Auf Wiedersehen, Herr Botschafter !   Interviewed by Ingrid Kidder

His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malta, Herr Georg Merten, and his wife Frau Ada Klaiber Merten will be leaving Malta at the end of June 2006, as his term of office has come to an end. 

The Ambassador commenced his position in Malta in the summer of 2001. Apart from his official duties and manifold ambassadorial tasks he was known as a frequent visitor to most cultural events on the islands. The German-Maltese Circle has especially valued his continuous support and assistance, as a speaker at special occasions, as well as opening exhibitions and concerts - or very often just his presence enjoying the function together with people who had become well known to him. 

Listening to his speeches was invariably a special pleasure, may they have been prepared subject related and well researched addresses to a professional audience, or may they have been impromptu talks with those charming personal remembrances and remarks. His listeners were always very attentive and appreciative. If he had been a musician, there might have been shouts for “encore!” 

The Ambassador showed genuine personal interest in many aspects of the diverse history as well as ways of the modern life of Malta. He could be seen climbing over the rubble of prehistoric excavation fields as well as inaugurating various exhibitions or launching books or admiring sculptures being just unveiled. He would visit factories and artists’ studios, and the big aviary in the South of Malta where exotic parrots originating from South America are being bred. Common to all these activities was his involvement with his counterparts in very specific dialogues on particular subjects or products. He gave lectures for the students of the Mediterranean Academy at the University of Malta, and showed German cultural documentary films at his residence in Lija.   

His special pleasure during the five years in office was finding so many friends in Malta – Maltese people or members of the international community. He so obviously enjoyed mixing and listening to their stories and concerns and would remember to ask about their matters next time round.  

As a final word the Ambassador likes to add:  “I wish all the best to the many people I have encountered in Malta and Gozo and with whom I have cooperated, and this refers especially to the German-Maltese Circle where I have always found open doors and the desire to promote German-Maltese relations in the field of culture and education.”  

LITERATUR ABEND: TUCHOLSKY-ABEND  -  “HIER BEI TUCHOLSKY”
Thursday, 22nd June at 19.00hours at the Bar in Messina Palace

A TIME TO MAKE FRIENDS By SILVIO VELLA - Sportswriter 

Seventeen years after the fall of the Berlin wall, a reunified Germany will throw open its doors to the world, acting as host to the 18th edition of world’s best football competition – the FIFA World Cup. Germany 2006 will be the place where people from around the world will be welcomed in the spirit of the striking slogan - DIE WELT ZU GAST BEI FREUNDEN (A time to make friends). 

The action begins on Friday, June 9 in Munich with the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica. Exactly one month later, on Sunday July 9 the World Cup final will take place in the capital city Berlin. The Germans are certain to put on a good show.  Twelve outstanding stadiums, some newly constructed while others vastly improved, will host the 64 matches.  The atmosphere will be electrifying. Fans the world over will be tuning into the event in their billions, and for many nothing else will matter for one whole month except football. As ever, there will be drama, controversy, excitement and top quality entertainment. Just about every one of the world’s top players will be present. Great goals and great games are guaranteed. 

Germany is now organising its second FIFA World Cup. The first, 32 years ago, saw the great Franz Beckenbauer lift the trophy as captain of the winning team. Today he presides over the organising committee in the run-up to a tournament which has changed considerably down the years. Back in 1974, only 16 teams took part, including the now defunct German Democratic Republic (GDR) and Zaire, being the only representative from the African continent.  The 2006 tournament will be a vastly different affair. 32 teams have qualified, including five from Africa, all of whom now perform at a far higher level. The Asian continent will be well represented as well.  

Germany is a cosmopolitan country with a passion for football. The people have devoted themselves to the job of ensuring the 2006 FIFA World Cup is an unforgettable experience.  For at all levels, the overall investment in any World Cup tournament is immense. The event is financially supported by the German state but also by the host cities. Football clubs, schools and people all over the land have really got behind this great event, confirming the legendary German work ethics and organisational skills. 

From Hamburg in the north to Munich in the south, from Leipzig in the east to Köln in the west, every city has come up with its own individual programme to keep visitors from around the world thoroughly entertained. Estimates gauge that these ‘Fan Fests’ will be attended by some seven to eight million people, a remarkable statistic given that just half that number will attend the 64 matches themselves.  Most matches will be shown live on big screens at the 'Fan Fest' venues, while fans will be able to enjoy top quality food, with a wide range of culinary delights available around the country.   

This provides further proof, if any was needed, of the prominent role Germany plays in world football.  Three time winners, four times runners-up, Germany can boast of the best World Cup record among European countries. All of Germany’s past three successes in 1954, 1974 and 1990, had significant importance, leaving indelible marks in our memories. 

         The Nationalmannschaft of 2006 is widely acknowledged to be of a lesser vintage in comparison to illustrious German teams of the past. For this reason the Germans have to fall back on the qualities that have always served them so admirably at World Cups – tactical discipline, the ability to perfectly pace themselves throughout the tournament and mental resilience. Germany will also benefit, of course, from having home advantage.  There are many dimensions to football’s allure and appeal – top class moves, thrilling goals, majestic star players, thunderous encounters and passionate fans. Football stirs the emotions all over the globe, brings people from contrasting cultures together and promotes solid virtues such as fairness, team spirit and tolerance. We all sincerely hope that these facets will all emerge in their most intense form in Germany in the coming days. 

At 6p.m. on Friday, June 9 in Munich, the endless build-up will cease. People from all over the world - armed with their cold beverage of choice – will collectively turn on the telly, and the football will finally begin. Wherever you watch the World Cup, enjoy it!

Members of the German-Maltese Circle whose attendance in the German language Grundstufe courses organised for them during the scholastic year 2005-2006 has been 60% or more, are eligible to sit for the end-of-year examinations which will be held at our premises as shown:

CERTIFICATES issued under the auspices of the Goethe Institute of Munich will be distributed to successful candidates later on in the year.

“Dear Mr President, It is my pleasure to send you, for use at the wonderful library of the German-Maltese Circle, the “Austrian Literature Case” published in 2005.  In 21 tomes with over 8000 pages, the case presents works of many of Austria’s important authors of the period 1945 to 2005.  This literary anthology was compiled and published on the occasion of Austria’s multiple anniversary year 2005, when we celebrated 60 years of the end of World War II, 50 years of Austria’s State Treaty and the end of Allied Presence, and 10 years of EU-membership.  Hoping that your members and readers of the library will enjoy and use the literature case. 

While thanking Dr Kehrer for this donation, we wish to remind our members that the Circle’s LIBRARY will remain open during the Summer months.  Make good and more frequent use of this facility.  Free internet service is available also from the Library for our members.  Translation and information service available upon request.  
Email: library@german-maltesecircle.org

Other news and information:     

Ø       Mandy Portelli and Stephen Chetcuti have been chosen to participate in the Eurocamp 2006 in Halle, while Dr Arthur Azzopardi has been chosen to attend the Sixth European Young Leaders Conference in Cyprus organised by the German Organisation Atlantik-Brücke e.V.

Ø     German language classes for schoolchildren are being organised during the summer months.  Full information and application forms can be downloaded from our website.

Ø       The number of Corporate Members for 2006 has gone up to 18 with the addition of Seifert mtm Systems Ltd, MSC Malta Ltd and Bavarian Technology Systems.

Ø       Members – especially young ones - are welcome to try a new “language game” with the use of CD-Rom and Internet by the name of GRENZENLOS at the Library.  Interesting, challenging and useful for language training.
 

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