Ambassador Yves Rossier Secretary of Foreign Affairsvisited Hebron in order to see the real situation of the city politically and be acquainted with the daily lives of Palestinians in the old town and the region classified H2, which is still subject to the control of the Israeli occupation. A number of officials accompanied his Excellency from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Swiss representatives from the Palestinian Authority, Swiss Development cooperation Foundation and international cooperation.
Mr. Rossier accompanied by the TIPH listened during a field tour to citizens in the old town; the circumstances, difficulties, harassments and the obstacles in which citizens’ face because of the political situation and the security imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities on the southern area of the city. In addition, the presence of settlers in the heart of the old town and its reflection on the life of citizens and their human rights was discussed.
A meeting was then held in Hebron municipality with Dr. Daoud Zatari, Mayor of Hebron, and members of the municipal council and a group of characters that represent the Palestinian institutions in Hebron, as well as, a number of heads of public and private institutions of Palestine.
Dr. Zatari welcomed the guests stressing on the importance of his visit to the city of Hebron. He also briefed him about the reality of the political situation and the suffering of the citizens. Furthermore, the Mayor explained about the city's history, economic status and the obstacles to economic development due to the policies of occupation and security measures on the movement of goods and people. Furthermore, this is a result of the Israeli control of the area classified as C, which s the opportunity to establish vital projects that contributes to improve the lives of citizens and allows the provision of the service as the best by the institutions of the second side .
In addition, the Mayor of Hebron illustrated the basic needs of the local community, and the potential support needed from the Swiss government for additional projects in the city. He also thanked the Swiss government and people on the continuous support of the Palestinian people.
A number of figures representing the women, human rights, business men, Palestinian universities and the Chamber of Commerce illustrated obstacles and the needs of each sector of the province through their interventions.
At the end of the meeting, the mayor of Hebron and the State Secretary exchanged gifts.