Mayor Khaled Osaily met this morning at his office with Ms. Maya Sverdrup, advisor to EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process in order to brief her on economic and political conditions in Hebron.

Osaily welcomed his guest and thanked the European Union for its interest in conditions in the OPT, particularly in Hebron, its support to the peace process, legitimate Palestinian rights and projects in the OPT with a view to enhancing the lives of Palestinians. Osaily provided his guest with a detailed presentation on conditions in Hebron, particularly in the Old City and on Palestinian suffering due to Israeli measures, settler presence and violations of the freedom of movement and worship.

In response to a question by the guest on Israeli closures of the Old City and of access points to Hebron, Osaily said that the Old City is encircled by around 112 checkpoints, military gates and dirt mounds which limit the movement of Palestinians, not to mention subjecting Palestinians to a thorough search and verification procedure every time they enter the Old City or head to the Ibrahimi Mosque. He added that Palestinian security apparatuses in Hebron Governorate have succeeded in maintaining security and putting an end to the absence of law and order. They also ensure the implementation of Palestinian judicial decisions as well as the safety of Palestinians which positively affects living and economic conditions in Hebron.

Osaily also touched on economic condition in Hebron, saying that economic development is very slow because of limited freedom of movement of both people and goods due to Israeli closures, the continuous occupation of the southern part of the city, lack of geographic continuity between Palestinian cities, towns and villages and delays in opening the industrial zone in Tarkoumia due to Israeli measures. This has lead, he said, to limited development and economic growth in Palestine in general and in Hebron Governorate in particular. Osaily presented to the guest projects underway in Hebron and explained their positive impact on job creation, the development of public facilities, the provision of recreational and sport outlets as well as infrastructure development and the implementation of basic projects.

Ms. Sverdrup commended Hebron municipality for its achievements, project management methods and the development of municipal departments, adding that the projects it implements are very important as they improve the lives of Palestinians and positively impact the general situation in the OPT. She hoped to see an end to the current conflict and for peace to prevail in the Middle East so that future generations can live a normal, secure and peaceful life without conflicts.

At the end of the meeting, mayor Osaily thanked his guest for her visit and interest in Hebron and presented her with a booklet on Hebron Municipality Achievements in 2008 as well as with the Municipality‘s Strategic Plan.