ACTUALITY

Since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980 and despite the imposition of sanctions in 2002, as a result of the presidential election campaign, by the EU, Italy has maintained good relations with the country, both politically and in the economic-commercial field.  This has been possible thanks also to Italian development cooperation, which has carried out several large projects including the construction of dams and roads as well as the development of the communications sector. The growth of the economic crisis, the ever spreading state of resignation of the people and the state of corruption, illegality and violation of law, which led to the imposition of EU sanctions, make relations with these Authorities extremely complex.  However, by enforcing the terms of the agreement for the protection of investments, this Embassy has been successful in impeding the expropriation of Italian-owned farms, the majority of which have appeared more than once on the list of farms to be expropriated as well as those to be de-listed.  This however has not stopped the illegal occupation of the farms by war veterans who have occasionally forced the owners off the land and damaged property. The Embassy also concentrates on giving assistance and guidance to the Italian community in Zimbabwe (approximately 1000 nationals), which finds itself in a critical situation of political, economic and social unrest that now raises serious problems regarding personal safety.  The Embassy maintains an up-dated emergency plan and meets frequently with its nationals both in the capital and the smaller centre.  It also offers material assistance to those needy nationals whose businesses have been affected by the harsh economic crisis and continues in its efforts with the local Authorities to have Italian-owned agricultural properties de-listed and vacated of illegal occupants. Even in an unfavourable economic situation, the Embassy continues to promote commercial and cultural relations, the latter with the assistance of the Dante Alighieri Society and the Italian Club of Harare as well as through the official participation in such cultural events as the annual International Film Festival of Zimbabwe (ZIFF).The imposition of sanctions by the EU, the stagnant political situation and the climate of uncertainty that reigns in the country because of the ruling party’s unwillingness to open dialogue with the opposition, have insured that new cooperation projects with Zimbabwe will only be carried out in the health sector.  It is to be noted however, that projects already in existence and aimed at the social and environment fields, will be completed.  In particular the Commodity Aid project will be re-activated in order to complete works in the public sector (i.e. supply of solar panels for the electrification of rural hospitals and schools and the supply of 250 portable fridges for the transport of vaccines) and the possibility of funding the private sector, where businesses have been badly affected by the crisis, will be examined.  A project aimed at the protection of the rhinoceros in the SADC region and a “Community Development and environmental conservation in southern Zimbabwe” programme are also currently being considered.

ITALIAN COMMUNITY
 
In December 2005, the Italian community numbered 806 nationals, 600 of which reside in Harare, 185 in Bulawayo and the rest in minor centers.  The community came into being after the Second World War but, because of the political instability and serious economic crisis, there have been no new arrivals.  The first generation of Italian immigrants, including a small number of Hebrew Sephardim who arrived from Rhodes between 1930 and 1940, maintain a strong attachment to Italy even though the distance and the economic conditions do not allow many to travel often to Italy.  There has recently been an increase in the number of requests by families, who, having lost their businesses as a result of the economic crises, wish to repatriate. Apart from a few land owners, the nationals resident in Zimbabwe are businessmen, artisans or restaurateurs.

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