Boulder-Nablus Project Rejected by Boulder City Council

The B0ulder City Council voted Monday night to deny the petition to create a formal sister city relationship between Boulder and Nablus.  From the Daily Camera, June 11, 2013 edition:

Boulder’s elected officials Monday night decided against establishing a sister-city relationship with the Palestinian city of Nablus.

The City Council voted the proposal down 6-3, although council members encouraged supporters and opponents to find common ground and keep working on the sister-city project.

“I am uncomfortable that our community is so up in arms over this and so conflicted,” said council member Suzy Ageton. “I would encourage the Nablus group to reach out.”

Those behind the Boulder-Nablus Sister City Project worked for two years to put it together, saying it could bridge cultures and make residents informal diplomats. But those in opposition say Boulder shouldn’t enter into the Middle East conflict.

Mayor Matt Appelbaum said the proposal had merit, but he was concerned that the proponents were supportive of the government in Nablus, making it political.

“I’m not sure I want to attach Boulder’s name to it,” he said.

Council members Macon Cowles and Suzanne Jones and Mayor Pro Tem Lisa Morzel supported the sister-city application. Morzel said a “yes” vote wouldn’t be picking sides. She also said she would like to see a proposal for an Israeli sister city.

“I don’t think peace is going to come from governments,” she said. “Peace will only come through getting to know the people you don’t like so much.”

At the packed meeting, about 70 people gave testimony for about four hours.”

Read the rest of the Camera’s coverage here.