Khaled Osaily. خالد العسيلي رئيس بلدية الخيل السابق خالد العسيلي
Robert Serry, UN Special Coordinatorfor the Middle East Peace Process said conditions in Hebron differ from those in other areas due to the city’s division, Israeli checkpoints limiting the freedom of movement and the fact that areas under PNA control are surrounded by areas under Israeli control which limits natural growth, economic flourishing and project executionin Palestinian areas.Serry was speaking at a meeting with Hebron Mayor KhaledOsaily and Hebron Governor KamelHmeid at the Municipality on 26 January 2010.
Osaily welcomed his guest and thanked him for his interest in conditions in the OPTs in general and Hebron in particular, as well as for his support to the peace process, Palestinian legitimate rights and policies aimed at implementing projects in the OPTs in order to improve citizens’ lives.
Osaily then spoke in detail about conditions in Hebron and its Old City. He underlined the suffering of Palestinians caused by Israeli measures, settler presence and violations of the freedom of movement and worship. “The Old City is surrounded by around 112 checkpoints, gates and dirt mounds which limit the freedom of movement. Other strict security measures are imposed on inhabitants who are searched on their way in and out of the Old City and Al Ibrahimi Mosque”, he added.
Speaking about economic conditions in Hebron Governorate, Osaily said that economic activity is very slow because of obstacles limiting the free movement of people and goods due to Israeli closures, continuous occupation of Southern Hebron, dismantlement of Palestinian land and hurdles imposed by Israel to limit Palestinian projects in C areas. Osaily underlined the importance of handing C areas to the PNA.
Governor Hmeid spoke about the success of security apparatuses in Hebron Governorate in ensuring security, putting an end to the lack of security and violations, executing court orders and creating a feeling of safety that positively impacts living and economic conditions in the Governorate. “We need to put an end to occupation as it causes numerous problems and obstacles and prevents the development and prosperity of the Governorate. This is our Governorate’s message to the UN and the international community. We do not seek partial solutions: we want to put an end to occupation”, he added.
Mr.Serry then visited friction zones and C areas and received a first-hand view of conditions in Hebron. At a press conference held in Kizoun which overlooks KiryatArba and Kharsina settlements to the east of Hebron, he said: “After what I saw here I believe that a real change must take place on the ground in order to build a Palestinian State. A political settlement is needed based on the two-State solution. I have seen that Palestinians are ready for that and I hope that Israel will show the same readiness. We seek to improve the living conditions of Palestinians and we believe that settlement expansion and checkpoints limit economic development. You need factories and enterprises outside cities which requires that C areas be transformed into areas under Palestinian control. I hope that this will happen in the near future as the PNA only controls 40% of total Palestinian land which hinders the economic development of Palestinian areas”, he added.
In response to a question on leaked documents from the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks, Serry said that these documents are not accurate. “Palestinian-Israeli negotiations aim to build a Palestinian State on 1967 borders including East Jerusalem and are based on a 1:1 land swap”, he added.
Accompanied by Messrs Osaily and Hmeid, Mr.Serry then visited the TareqIbnZiyad crossroads were he perused the distribution of food stamps through a UN program. He then visited the Child Happiness Centre where he met with children before leaving the city.
