the suspending compulsory military service, formally decided already in 2001, but which was to begin in 2007: consequently the suspension came into effect indefinitely on 1 January 2005 (Martino Law), and furthermore granted exemption to all those who had in the past obtained postponements of service on grounds such as study. Additionally, he backed the a speedier transformation of the armed forces into a body of professional volunteers. Martino was also the Secretary of the Italy-USA Foundation's Scientific Committee. In 2005, he was awarded the Medal for Distinguished Public Service by the United States Department of Defense. Martino was married and had two daughters. He died in Rome on 5 March 2022, at the age of 79. References Further reading A. Martino, Stato Padrone, Sperling&Kupfer, Milan 1997. External links Antonio Martino bio at History Commons |- 1942 births 2022 deaths 20th-century Italian politicians 21st-century Italian politicians Foreign ministers of Italy Forza Italia politicians Italian economists Journalists from Sicily Italian male journalists Italian Liberal Party politicians Deputies of Legislature XII of Italy Deputies of Legislature XIII of Italy Deputies of Legislature XIV of Italy Deputies of Legislature XV of Italy Deputies of Legislature XVI of Italy Deputies of Legislature XVII of Italy Italian Ministers of Defence Politicians from Messina Propaganda Due The People of Freedom politicians Member of the Mont Pelerin Society