This was discussed in a meeting in Hebron Municipality by Dr. Zaatari and a German delegation, headed by Mayor of Gina "Alberth Schortr" in the presence of members of the municipal council members, representatives of municipalities of Bonn, Monheim and Colin and the German Technical Cooperation Agency "GIZ"

 

Dr. Zatari focused in his speech on the political, economical and educational issues in the city of Hebron and the suffering of the citizens of the city due to the Israeli occupation, division of the city and the presence of settlers in the heart of the old town. Dr. Zatari illustrated the difficulties faced by the citizens due to the continuous attacks by settlers against Palestinian civilians. Moreover, the mayor demonstrated the difficulties faced by the Hebron Municipality crews due to the strict policies and security measures imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities in the city which is classified by the Hebron agreement 'H2’.

 

In addition, Dr. Zatari illustrated his willingness to develop the industrial sector in the city of Hebron to reduce the rate of unemployment which reached more than 21%. He aims to do so through the construction of new industrial zones in the city, the improvement of the existing industrial area, and the achievement of partnerships with high-tech companies by urging international companies to launch branches in the city and thus create job opportunities for graduates.

 

In terms of the joint cooperation between German cities and the city of Hebron, Dr. Zaatari requested support of the delegation in transferring the German expertise in organizing the transportation sector that is muddled due to the Israeli closures of the Shuhada Street. The Shuhada Street connects the South of the city to the West of the city and by its closure plans and projects are interrupted and stopped.

 

From a political point of view, Dr. Zatari requested the delegation to put pressure on their government to have a more powerful role towards the EU to force Israel to stop its violations against Palestinian citizens, properties and cultural heritage in the city. Dr. Zatari stated that achieving peace is possible especially in the presence of the President Mahmoud Abbas, who considers peace as a strategic option. However, the Israeli government does not seem to be in favor of peace as it continues to build settlements on the Palestinian Lands and violates the agreements set. Thus, this makes it difficult for the peace progress success.

 

On the other hand, Schorter believed that Palestinians have legitimate rights that they need to obtain; he also illustrated his understanding of the demands of the Palestinians to end the occupation, and achieve the development of the various sectors. Furthermore, he showed his appreciation to the Hebron Municipality for the role they play despite the difficulties they face to develop its services to its citizens and to develop strategic plans for the advancement of the sectors of the city and prosperity due the political circumstances and obstacles that Israeli’s set.

 

In addition, Schorter requested Dr. Zatari to participate in an international conference attended by the mayors of German cities and their Palestinian counterparts in the month of February of next year; thus open a greater opportunity for cooperation and partnership between the two parties. Moreover, he expressed the readiness of German municipalities to support Palestinian exports.

 

Lastly, after exchanging gifts, German cities representatives and Hebron municipality councils agreed to participate in the delegation and in the partnership and cooperation in various sectors to develop communication and follow-up mechanisms of the issues agreed on.