| This summer Mr Berlusconi,
currently president of the EU, is using his own luxury seaside villa
overlooking the crystal clear waters
of one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean as the setting
for a new style of informal international
diplomacy. The Russian and Italian leaders are expected to discuss
informally possible ways of associating Russia more closely with
the European Union. Of course not all EU members look
favourably on this idea.
Mr Berlusconi has created an exotic
new cactus garden in the grounds of
his villa to show off to his Russian guest and has invited the
Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, to sing at an evening party. The
billionaire Italian leader prides himself
on being on intimate terms
with many world leaders. Last year he invited President Putin's
two teenage daughters to stay at his villa.
By inviting the Russian President into one of his many luxury
homes, Mr Berlusconi feels he can create a friendlier and more
intimate atmosphere than at any official government guesthouse.
Next week the Prime Ministers of France and Spain will receive
the same VIP treatment at Mr Berlusconi's
Sardinian villa.
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villa: a holiday house of the kind
found in southern Europe
crystal clear waters: clean and
beautiful sea
informal: relaxed, modern
look favourably on: to agree with something and think it
is a good idea
exotic: unusual
in the grounds of: in the area
surrounding and belonging to the property
prides himself on: is proud because
of
on intimate terms: has a close
personal relationship
VIP: Very Important Person
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