The 4th edition of the International Contest for Mediterranean Journalists has kicked off, with this year\'s focus on the Arab Spring and its aftermath. The prize, organized and sponsored by the Italian region of Puglia in conjunction with Holland, Cyprus and Romania, will be divided into two sections: the Arab Spring, and Welcome and Solidarity. Themes arising from the Middle Eastern uprisings, such as protest, democracy and freedom in regions in and around the Mediterannean basin, will come under the spotlight, as well as issues of solidarity and civil commitment in the wake of vast refugee landings in the region. A separate Special Prize for Reception and Solidarity with the Italian municipalities of Otranto and Lampedusa will also be awarded at the ceremony in Bari, on 1 Dec 2012.