Dr Dauod Zatari, mayor of Hebron, met with the German parliament and government on the 7th of July, 2013 in a ceremony that was organized by Hebron Municipality to discuss the Palestinian cause. The ceremony was in honor of HE Mr. 'Dirk Niebel’ Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, 'Gudron Kopp’ the secretary for Economic Cooperation Committee in the German parliament, 'Barbara Wolf’ German Federal Representative in Palestine, and high-level delegation representing different German sectors in the presence of Marwan Sultan, deputy governor of Hebron and municipal council members and heads of departments in the municipality of Hebron
The Mayor requested the German Government to provide greater support for the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people through the European Union and to intensify the pressure on the Israeli government to maintain international resolutions that recognize the rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state and end the occupation.
The Mayor thanked the German government and citizens on the assistance and support they gave to Palestinians in general and to the city of Hebron in particular. He stressed on the importance of projects that have been implemented in the city of Hebron under the support of the German government to help improve the lives of its inhabitants and the development of various sectors.
Dr. Zatari illustrated the need of the City of Hebron for various projects related to the water sector, capacity building, and infrastructure in areas classified “C”
In addition to development of the industrial area, the construction of new industrial zones and exploring development projects to create new jobs and reduce the high unemployment rate as well as supporting solar energy projects.
The Mayor demonstrated his willingness to sign cooperation agreements with German cities and institutions to achieve joint projects, build relations, and promote cooperation to launch vital projects that can improve the lives of Palestinian citizens.
He also requested the Germans support to the Hebron governorate due to its demographic and economical importance.
On the other hand, Sultan, in his speech focused on the suffering and difficulties that the citizens of Hebron face due to the Israeli occupation, the settler attacks and the security measures imposed by the occupation authorities on the southern region and the ancient town; which violates the basic human rights.
H.E Mr. Dirk Niebel’ Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development expressed his pleasure to have the opportunity to visit Palestine and the City of Hebron, to get a closer view of the situation in the country and meet political and institutional characters in Palestine.
The Minister assured the German support to the Palestinian people to provide assistance and support in building institutions. He also declared that they are waiting for development projects proposals as the German government has allocated 55 million euros to support the Palestinian people and the establishment of vital projects that contribute to improving the lives of the Palestinians; such as, supporting the sectors of infrastructure, education and technical training
He had permeated the celebration of a brief presentation about the city of Hebron aspects of the political, economic, industrial, service and education.
In addition, in the ceremony a brief presentation was displayed about the city of Hebron and the political, economic, industrial, service and educational aspects in addition to projects supported by the German government, which helped to develop the capacity of the Hebron Municipality.
Lastly, the Mayor and the Minister exchanged gifts and went on a tour to the Department of Public Services, which was organized with the support of the German government through the German Cooperation Foundation GIZ