The socialist mayor of Saint-Étienne, Régis Juanico, announced the municipality's intention to establish a new twinning arrangement with a Palestinian community, effectively ending the one that had linked the city to Nof HaGalil, in Israel, since 1974. This decision is part of a reorientation of the city's international cooperation policy.
In a statement, the municipal team explains that it wants to place its actions "under the aegis of international law and human solidarity." It also expresses its concern about the situation in the Palestinian territories, while affirming its commitment to respecting fundamental rights and to peace.
A break with a historic partnership
The municipality emphasizes that exchanges with Nof HaGalil had already ceased, referring to a "de facto suspension" of cooperation. This northern Israeli city, founded in the 1950s near Nazareth, had been the subject of criticism from some local elected officials, who denounced its political orientation.
The announcement comes amid local mobilization, on the eve of a demonstration organized in particular by pro-Palestinian activists demanding an end to the twinning agreement with the Israeli municipality. Another rally is also planned during the next town council meeting, where the issue is expected to be debated publicly.
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