Agenda Item 36 – 55th Session
Resolution 55/18
(Adopted on 7 November
2000/Consensus)
Bethlehem 2000
The General Assembly,
Recalling the fact that the Palestinian city of Bethlehem
is the birthplace of Jesus Christ and one of the most historic and significant
sites on earth,
Noting that the world is continuing to celebrate in
Bethlehem, a city of peace, the onset of the new millennium in a global vision
of hope for all peoples,
Stressing again the monumental importance of the event
for the Palestinian people, for the peoples of the region and for the
international community as a whole, as it comprises significant religious,
historical and cultural dimensions,
Aware of the Bethlehem 2000 project as a multi-faceted
undertaking for commemoration of the event, which began at Christmas, 1999,
and will come to a close at Easter, 2001,
Aware also of the needed assistance with regard to the
above-mentioned Project, and expressing appreciation for the steps already
taken towards increasing the engagement and participation of the international
community, including donor countries, and organizations of United Nations
system, in particular the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank, as
well as the European Commission, religious institutions and others,
Recalling the convening of the Bethlehem 2000
International Conference in Rome, on 18 and 19 February 1999, and its impact
on the promotion of the Bethlehem 2000 Project and the mobilization of public
awareness in all regions in support of this endeavor,
Welcoming the participation in the Bethlehem
celebrations of several Heads of State and Government and many other eminent
personalities, including religious leaders, and expressing appreciation for
the Palestinian preparations for this event,
Welcoming also the historic Jubilee 2000 pilgrimage of
His Holiness Pope John Paul II to the Holy Land, his landmark visit to the
holy sites in Bethlehem and the important message delivered by the Pontiff at
Manger Square,
Expressing the need for immediate change in the situation
on the ground in the vicinity of Bethlehem, especially with regard to ensuring
freedom of movement,
Stressing the need for ensuring free and unhindered
access to the Holy Places in Bethlehem to the faithful of all religions and
the citizens of all nationalities,
Expressing the renewed hope for a successful outcome of
the Middle East peace process and the achievement of a final settlement
between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, so that the millennium may be
celebrated in an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation,
- Welcomes this global and historic celebration in Bethlehem and the
onset of the third millennium as a symbol of the shared hope for peace
among all peoples of the world;
- Expresses support for the Bethlehem 2000 Project and commends the
efforts undertaken by the Palestinian Authority in this regard;
- Notes with appreciation the worldwide support the Bethlehem 2000
Project, and calls for sustained assistance and engagement by the
international community as a whole, including private sector
participation, in ensuring the success of the Project and of this
monumental commemoration;
- Requests the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize the
pertinent organizations and agencies of the United Nations system to
increase their efforts to ensure the successful completion of the
Bethlehem 2000 project;
- Decides to conclude, at the current session, the consideration by
the General Assembly of the item entitled "Bethlehem 2000".