Months ago, Hebron Municipality has been able to deepen and to enhance the ties with Derby City, and today it signs a Twinning Agreement which is considered as the first such with a Palestinian city for a British City.
Mayor of Derby Councillor Fareed Hussain who was accompanied by a delegation representing his city’s Council as well as members from the Labor party arranged a grand ceremony for the reception of Dr. Daoud Zatari, Hebron Mayor, as well as Dr. Ragahd Dweik, Municipal Council Member. The visit will also include many sessions held in both cities of Newcastle and London.
The Agreement proclaims the necessary of exchanging experiences and cooperating in different fields well as engaging the two Cities local institutions to achieve mutual interests and benefits among the two cities, and there could be economic benefits too as companies explore links and work opportunities.
Signing of the twinning agreement was preceded by a presentation about Hebron, its historical and its academic side. The presentation also described the economic and commercial importance of Hebron as well as its traditional industries and touched on Palestinian's suffering and bad living condition due to Israeli Occupation, constantly closing down of the Old City, settlers presence in heart of the Old City who aimed at using force and violent practices against the innocent citizens under the protection of Israeli Soldieries.
Dr. Zatari stressed on how necessary is to safeguard the city's prominent cultural heritage as the Israelis attempt to judaize the city, he also called Freedom-loving people to support rights guaranteed by international laws and to exert pressure on the Israeli Side to stop their practices and measures. Dr. Zatari then highlighted the role played by President Mahmoud Abbas in achieving peace and justice in Palestine.
Moreover, Dr. Zatari underlined the Israel's intransigence in prevailing peace with Palestinian Leadership. He also noted that the Israeli Authorities break all agreements of releasing the Palestinian prisoners whom have been detained before Oslo.
Therafter, Dr. Zatari thanked the attendances for their warm reception and hospitality, hoping the sister agreement will achieve sustainable development in the city's different sectors.
On his Part, Councillor Hussain 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. “Freedom of people and societies is a right guaranteed by international treaties. This freedom must be achieved in Palestine as Palestinians have a right to self-determination. Freedom-loving people and anybody with a conscious should support rights guaranteed by international laws”, he said, adding that he visited Hebron last October in which he got a first-hand view of the citizens suffering on the ground and he wants to see more pressure on the Israelis to give the Palestinians a fairer deal.
It is worth mentioning that Derby is located in the center of England with a population of 250.000 people, and is regarded as one of the best cities of Britain in terms of living and security.