Turkey and Europe. An example: Alessandro Missir di Lusignano.

Original bdg. Hardcover. 4to. (27 x 20 cm). 292 p. Color and b/w ills. In English. The launch of the Economic Development Foundation's new publication "Turkey and Europe - An Example: Alessandro Missir di Lusignano" took place in Brussels on 27 November 2009 at the premises of the European Commission's Berlaymont Building. Three years after the death of Alessandro Missir di Lusignano, the Economic Development Foundation published a book compiling memories of a variety of personalities whose lives had the chance to cross Alessandro Missir di Lusignano's life path. The book is constituted of interviews that shed light on Alessandro's work related to Turkey-EU relations, his achievements and his contribution to the present day knowledge about Turkey in Europe. Prepared by journalist Letizia Missir di Lusignano and IKV researcher Melih Özsöz, the book was published in two languages (English and French) only in 3000 copies. The launch of the book "Turkey and Europe - An Example: Alessandro Missir di Lusignano" took place with the participation of Mr. Olli Rehn, Commissioner responsible for Enlargement. In his opening speech Mr. Olli Rehn, expressed the important role played by Alessandro Missir di Lusignano in the process of opening EU membership negotiations with Turkey, his tireless and creative knowledge contributing to today's knowledge of Turkey in Europe. Following Mr. Olli Rehn, Letizia Missir di Lusignano and Mr. Livio Missir di Lusignano delivered a short speech in the name of Missir¿s family. A small cocktail took place following the speeches where books were distributed free of charge to distinguished guests. Alessandro Missir di Lusignano was born in 1967. He graduated from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and joined the services of the European Commission in 1993. He was appointed as Political Desk Officer of the European Commission's Turkey Team in 2001. Passionate about his mission, he deeply impressed all his interlocutors with his in-depth knowledge of Turkey's history, society, culture and politics. For almost five years, he played a key role in the accession negotiations between Turkey and the European Union. Appointed Political Counselor of the EU Commission Delegation to Morocco, Alessandro and his wife Ariane were tragically assassinated in September 2006, only a few days after their arrival in Rabat.