JERUSALEM, April 15, 2010 (WAFA)- U.S. Consul General Daniel Rubinstein visited Hebron today to meet with local officials, businessmen, to discuss the situation in the Governorate.  The Consul General met with Hebron Governor Dr. Hussein al-Araj, Mayor Khaled Osaily, key business leaders, and security officials. 

Speaking to press during his visit, Consul General Rubinstein said, “There is no doubt that the economic situation in the West Bank - including Hebron-has improved in the past two years, thanks to improvements in the security situation, the PA’s economic reforms, and the easing of some of the movement and access restrictions by Israel. We also commend the efforts by President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad to build the institutions necessary for a future Palestinian state and improve the investment climate.”

During a tour of the Juneidi dairy factory, the Consul General stated that the U.S. government is strongly committed to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, and that building a strong economy is a vital step in this endeavor.