PNA condemns Israeli ban on Arafat for Christmas mass in Bethlehem

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, December 16, 2002

PNA condemns Israeli ban on Arafat for Christmas mass in Bethlehem

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) Sunday condemned the Israeli cabinet's decision to ban Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to travel to Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born, for Christmas mass.

"The Israeli government's declaration to reject President Arafat to attend the Christmas service in the city is a clear violation of all signed agreements," said a PNA statement.

The statement was issued following the weekly cabinet session chaired by Arafat in the West Bank town of Ramallah. Arafat has been staying at his headquarters in the besieged town since last December.

According to the statement, the two sides signed an agreement called "The Statuesque" in 1905 which said that any leader of the population living in the West Bank has the right to attend Christmas mass in the holy town of Bethlehem.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, an aide to Arafat said, "the Israeli government's decision is a provocation" and a "blatant breach of all agreements between the two sides."

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that the Israeli decision "can never be accepted," adding that "it reveals the intentions of (Israeli Prime Minister Ariel) Sharon to get rid of the Palestinian (National) Authority and all the signed agreement."

"Bethlehem, the city of peace is living under curfew, siege and an atmosphere of war. The whole city hotels are destroyed, and tanks spread everywhere without any atmosphere of Christmas," said Erekat.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Top Planner on Main Economic Tasks for 1st 20 Years in New Century ( 16 Messages)

Archaeologists Revise Age of China's Civilization ( 9 Messages)

Chinese Economy to Enjoy Bright Future ( 13 Messages)

Nanjing Marks 65th Anniversary of Japanese Massacre ( 2 Messages)

China Hopes for Constructive US Role in Reunification: Jiang ( 8 Messages)

China Issues White Paper on National Defense ( 20 Messages)