Hebron Mayor Khaled Osaily met with Slovenia’s Representative to the Palestinian National Authority Igor Poga?ar and his accompanying delegation. The meeting aimed at getting better acquainted with conditions in Hebron in general and in the Old City in particular and at enhancing economic ties and cooperation between institutions in the city and their counterparts in Slovenia.

Following his words of welcome, Osaily spoke in detail about political conditions in Hebron, the negative impact on development and service-related projects due to the division of the city into two parts, the continuing occupation of its southern part, closures and obstacles imposed by Israel to hinder the work of Municipal crews. Osaily compared the urban development in the North of Hebron to the underdevelopment witnessed in its southern part.

“Policies drawn by Hebron Municipality are being executed according to plans with a view to implementing service-related, development and organizational projects throughout the city. These projects are apparent in Northern Hebron while Southern Hebron suffers from occupation and settler presence, causing delays and hampering the full implementation of projects. The International Community must stand with Palestinians and help protect their history and holy places. Many freedom loving people in this world reject all forms of discrimination and call for the respect of human beings as well as for the implementation of law and international resolutions on the rights of Palestinians to live in freedom and to end the last occupation in the world”, Osaily said. He also touched on means to enhance ties between Slovenia and Palestine as well as on establishing relations between Slovenian Municipalities and Hebron municipality.  

Mr. Poga?ar underlined the rights of Palestinians to live in freedom and peace. He reiterated his country’s support to Palestinians and their rights enshrined in international resolutions. “We provide humanitarian assistance especially to Palestinian children in Gaza and we look forward to more cooperation and support to Palestinians, a friendly people with whom we have historic ties. We look forward to enhanced commercial and economic cooperation which serves our common interests”, he said.

The guest and accompanying delegation then went on a tour to the Old City and the Ibrahimi Mosque to get a closer look at conditions there.