First Lady honored by Italy

[NewsWhore]

The Italian ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Enrico Guicciardi, presented First Lady Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez with the Star of Italian Solidarity, with the rank of Grand Official, awarded by the Italian government in a ceremony at which President Leonel Fernandez was also present. The presentation took place at the diplomatic residence of the Italian Legation in Piantini. The Italian diplomat said that this is the first time that such a decoration has been awarded to a Dominican woman or any woman in the whole region. In a brief speech, Guicciardi emphasized the charitable social work done by the First Lady's office, benefiting more than 100,000 poor families through the "Progresando" program, and the fact that thousands of citizens have been helped by other projects run by the office. Upon receiving the award Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez said that it is of great significance because it came during the International Woman's Day celebrations. The First Lady shared the award with all Dominican women, as she expressed her appreciation for the fact that the medal comes from one of the countries that has supported and cooperated with the work done by the First Lady's Office ever since her husband was elected.

More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)