Bethlehem 2000 (53/27) The General Assembly, Recalling that the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, being the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is one of the most historic and significant sites on earth, Noting that the world will celebrate in Bethlehem, a city of peace, the onset of the new millennium in a global vision of hope for all peoples, Stressing 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 will begin at Christmas 1999 and conclude at Easter 2001, Aware also of the needed assistance with regard to the above-mentioned project, and expressing appreciation for the steps taken towards increasing the engagement and participation of the international community, including donor countries, organizations of the United Nations system, in particular UNESCO, UNDP, and the World Bank, as well as the European Commission, religious institutions and others, 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 citizens of all nationalities, Expressing the hope for rapid progress in the Middle East peace process and the achievement of the final settlement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides within the agreed time, so that the millennium may be celebrated most appropriately in an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation,
Vote: Consensus 18 November 1998 |