Respectfully requesting the President of the Republic of Italy, The Honorable Giorgio Napolitano, to maintain and support the Italian General Consulate diplomatic mission in the United States by retaining The Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS,

The closing of the Italian General Consulate would undermine the historically strong ties existing between Italian businesses, academic institutions, philanthropic organizations, incubators and universities of both countries; and

WHEREAS, Italian heritage is richly entwined in the history of Philadelphia. This heritage did not begin or end with the well known voyages of Christopher Columbus but continues to the present day in the fields of research, science, the arts and literature as well as business and development; and

WHEREAS, Italians and those of Italian descent have made remarkable contributions to our city and country, including signers of the Declaration of Independence and the formation of the U.S. Constitution, crucial events in the history of the United States where Philadelphia played a special role; and

WHEREAS, Italian - Americans were instrumental in the growth, prosperity, building and development of not only Philadelphia but the entire region. The Philadelphia region is also an international capital of higher education and research with more than 100 Universities, top level hospitals and research centers and a hub for biotech and life sciences which has a vibrant and dynamic Italian community; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia and Florence are sister cities known for their mutual love of art and culture are home to internationally famous museums and art collections. A number of initiatives are starting to take place in Philadelphia to promote the study of the Italian language which will in turn help to strengthen our ties with Italy; and

WHEREAS,

Even before the Unification of Italy, Genoa sent a General Consul to Philadelphia, Mr. Giuseppe Ravara, who was introduced to President George Washington and Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson in 1791; and

WHEREAS,

The strengthening of diplomatic, academic, and business ties between the City of Philadelphia and Italy are mutually beneficial to the continued prosperity of both Italy and the greater Philadelphia region; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Respectfully requests the President of the Republic of Italy maintain and support the Italian General Consulate diplomatic mission in the United States by retaining The Consul General of Italy in Philadelphia.

End