There is no doubt that the theme of the State Archives is of great interest for the entire city – declares the mayor of Messina, Federico Basile –. Beyond the formal skills, which we know belong to the Ministry of Culture, we believe it is unthinkable that such an important heritage could be moved elsewhere. It must remain in Messina, because it belongs to our history and our identity.”
The municipal administration is in contact, in short ways, with the competent offices of the Ministry and with the Regional Superintendence to understand the timing and methods of the decisions in progress, and has already declared itself willing to identify a temporary solution that will avoid the transfer of documentary funds to Catania, as would seem imminent.
“We are aware – concludes the mayor – that the Archive requires premises with specific technical and structural characteristics, but while waiting for a definitive path to be defined, the Municipality is fully available to welcome this heritage to guarantee its conservation and usability. We cannot allow it to leave the city”.