This weeks headlines in the National press have echoed the concerns of Italy’s main government that the Sardinian island of Maddalena will not be ready to host the G8 Summit in July 2009 due to the lack of infrastructure and tight schedule before the commencement of the summit. The race is now on to find an alternative to Maddalena and Alghero’s Mayor believes his City has everything needed and a good track record.

The following is a translated extract of the letter recently sent by Alghero Mayor Marco Tedde to President Silvio Berlusconi.

ALGHERO - Mr. President, we are following very closely the events concerning the organisation and hosting of the G8 on the Sardinian island of Maddalena and the difficulties ahead to reach the completion goal of July 2009 .

While sincerely wishing the island of Maddalena to be able to conclude the projected works on schedule, and with sincere hope that the summit could take place on the small island. The latest news headlines report that Fiuggi and Cernobbio have submitted alternative proposals.

I believe that Alghero is a serious alternative candidate to Maddalena. As I had the opportunity to riferirLe and she was able to see personally that Alghero has all the necessary requirements.

Our civil airport along with the military airport is just a distance of 5 minutes by car from town and our port is practically inside the ancient city. We have almost a secular traditions as a tourist town, with adequate hotel facilities both in terms of capacity and quality.

Our culture of acceptance and services are that of a city definitely up to tackle a task of this prestigious nature with of pristine coastline and crystal clear sea and white sand beaches which border the city.

Moreover, these requirements have been tested and were certified fit following the Italy-Algeria Summit held in Alghero last year, which resulted in the organization team receiving personal praise from the President of Algeria. This positive success has also prompted Minister Frattini and the structure of the foreign ministry to enter my city among those very few parliamentarians to host the events of the G8.

It is not of secondary importance that our candidacy would ensure Sardinia not to miss this unique international showcase and prevent substantial financial resources from going elsewhere rather than investment into the implementation of the necessary works in Alghero.

President, it would be wonderful if you would visit us in the coming days to further assess Alghero more carefully to consider the potential of this city as a real alternative to host the G8 in July 2009.