In the meeting with Dr. Alastair McPhail, British Consul General, Dr. Zatari called for deepening cooperation between Hebron Municipality and Municipalities of Britain, and called the consul to get a first-hand view of Hebron's reality on the ground. The meeting was also attended by Members from Hebron's Municipal Council.
Dr. Zatari spoke about political and security conditions in the city, daily Palestinian suffering due to Israeli occupation and settler practices, the division of the city into two parts H1 and H2, settler presence in its heart and around Al Ibrahimi Mosque and settlements which surround the city.
Dr. Zatari then described the economic and commercial importance of Hebron , and underlined efforts made by Hebron Municipality to support the local economy and infrastructure with a view to improve livelihoods of Hebron's citizens, then adding " The Israeli Occupation exacerbates economic conditions".
Dr. Zatari referred to the twinning agreements signed between Hebron Municipality and both Municipalities of Newcastle and Derby, asking to strengthen cooperation with other Britain's Cities, and calling to facilitating access for Palestinian exports to British markets.
On other side, Dr. McPhil thanked the mayor for the warm reception, and expressed his hope to enhance the living conditions of the Old City's civilians, stressing his interest to convey the reality of what is going on the ground to his government, and to exert effort to promoting cooperation between Hebron Municipality and Britain's Municipalities.
Symbolic gifts of embroidery panels were then exchanged between the delegations.
20.5.2014