Citizens from Vicenza, Italy, opposed to a new U.S. military base testify before Congress
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2009
CONTACT: Stephanie Westbrook, 202 320 0752
WHAT: Vicenza City Councilwoman testifies before Congress on behalf of Italian citizens opposed to a new U.S. military base in Vicenza, Italy
WHEN: 10 am, April 23, 2009
WHERE: U.S. Capitol Building, H-143
WASHINGTON ? On Thursday, April 23 a delegation of Italian citizens opposed to a new U.S. military base in Vicenza, Italy, will testify before the House Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies.
Vicenza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and showcase of renowned Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The new base will be located in a residential area completely surrounded by houses and just one mile from the historic city center. Vicenza is already home to several U.S. military installations, including Camp Ederle, which dates back to 1955, and was just recently designated as Army Command for Africom.
Since May 2006, when news of the proposed base first began to leak out, ordinary citizens of all ages from across social, cultural and political boundaries have kept up constant opposition, organizing an endless succession of protests and demonstrations – bringing 150,000 people to the streets of Vicenza.
Last year, opposition to the base led to a political shift in the city; after decades of governing the city, the ruling coalition was voted out. The new Administration ran on a platform opposing the base and promised a local referendum, which took place in October with over 95% voting against the base.
“We are very pleased to have this opportunity to illustrate the concerns of the people of Vicenza,” said Cinzia Bottene, a City Councilwoman from Vicenza who will testify on behalf of the citizens. “These concerns have been recognized as valid in meeting with members of Congress and we welcome the chance to have them recorded in the Congressional Register. It demonstrates that the matter is anything but closed.”
This trip comes on the heels of a lobbying delegation this past March in which citizens from Vicenza met with members of both the House and the Senate and is part of the ongoing efforts to block construction of the new base.
The delegation is available for interviews and will be in Washington through Saturday, April 25.
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