Ambassador of Argentina to Open International Literature Conference

The 10th International Conference for the Centre for the Study of the Literatures and Civilizations of the River Plate (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) will take place at the University of Prince Edward Island from July 6 to 8. The conference will be opened by His Excellency Arturo G. Bothamley, Ambassador of the Argentine Republic in Canada.

The Centre for the Study of the Literatures and Civilizations of the River Plate (CELCIRP) is based in La Sorbonne in Paris. The association brings together scholars and researchers specializing in this area from around the world.

The keynote speakers will be Angand#233;lica Gorodische, Narradora, Argentina; Godfrey Baldacchino, Island Studies, UPEI; and Fernando Aand#237;nsa, New Sorbonne University of Paris III. The conference is being coordinated by the UPEI Department of Modern Languages. Chair of the organizing committee is Professor Doreley Coll.

UPEI has been strengthening its Spanish program in recent years and it now has an exchange program with the University of Uruguay, in Montevideo. The first three students to take advantage of the exchange agreement graduated last year with a major in Spanish.

As part of the conference, Poesand#237;a Diaria, a selection of commemorative tributes published by the families of the 30,000 Argentinians and#145;disappeared' and kidnapped during the military junta dictatorship, 1976-1983, will have its second viewing in Canada at UPEI, July 6 to14. The opening ceremony for the display will take place at 5:00 pm on July 6 in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building. Members of the public are welcome.

More information on the 10th International CELCIRP Conference and is available at www.upei.ca/celcirp/