Hebron Mayor Dr. Daoud Zatari called French Consul for more efforts towards promoting ties between Hebron City and Other Cities of France, and to have mutual projects in different sectors such as the Sectors of Culture and Information Technology, expressed his willingness to build cooperation with France’a Municipalities 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 meeting which was attended by Mr. Herve Magro, General Consul of France at Jerusalem, Dr. Anwar Abu-Eisheh,Minister of Culture , Municipal Council Members, well as Mr. Maher Oweiwi the General Manager discussed the opportunity of strengthen joint cooperation between Hebron and Cities of France, also to get a first hand view of the reality on the ground.
After welcoming the delegation, Dr. Zatari 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 also touched on violations against Old City inhabitants which go against all international treaties and laws that call for the freedom of movement and worship.
Moreover, Dr. Zatari recalled the massacre committed in Al Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994 by an Israeli army doctor who opened fire inside the Mosque, killing 29 worshippers in the middle of the Holy month of Ramadan. This led to the closing down of Al Shuhada Street and to the unjust division of Al Ibrahimi mosque, he said.
Dr. Abu Eisheh underlined that Hebron Municipality is considered as first Palestinian city signed a twinning agreement with France’s City in 1980, touching on the relationship between Hebron Municipality and France’s Municipalities, affirming on the necessity of Culture exchange between Palestine and France’s People.
Symbolic gifts were exchanged between both delegations, and Mr. Magro then said he sympathized with Palestinians and their just cause. He underlined the right of Palestinians to build their State, end occupation and live in freedom. Thereafter, Mr. Magro thanked Dr. Zatari for warm reception and hospitality, praising the advanced vision of civilization towards International Cooperation in different fields.