A delegation of the Consulate General of France chaired by the Consul General Mr. Pierre Cochard and in the participation of Dr. Anwar Abu Aisheh, Director of Hebron-France Association of Cooperation, visited Hebron City and met with the Mayor of Hebron, Dr. Daoud Zatari. At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Zatari welcomed the delegation and spoke about political and security conditions in the city, daily Palestinian suffering due to Israeli occupation and settler practices as well as attempts to displace the local population and to increase settlement activity. He stressed the importance of cooperation with France’s government and people, and his interest in promoting partnerships between Hebron Municipality and French municipalities given the close ties between both countries.

Dr. Zatari also raised the issue of the peace process and how the Palestinian leadership, chaired by President Abbas, is seeking a just and comprehensive peace and is trying to end occupation through negotiations and the peace process. However, the reality on the ground shows that Israel is not serious and lacks the real desire to achieve peace, he said.

Dr. Zatari then asked the Consul General to strengthen cooperation and enhance ties with Hebron Municipality through the exchange of experiences, cooperation in the fields of human and economic development as well as in other fields that serve the public interest

The Consul General of France thanked Dr. Zatari for the warm reception and hospitality. He said that he is proud of this visit to Hebron .He also touched on examples of French support to the Palestinian people, the peace process, and the positive stances of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He underlined the need for a fair peace and the creation of a fully sovereign Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital. 

05/04/2017