Bethlehem 2000 meeting in Rome

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said yesterday in Rome at a meeting on the Bethlehem 2000 project, that the project has religious, cultural and historical dimensions of international significance.

The meeting, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization, dealt with the program, which aims at bringing 2 million pilgrims and tourists to Bethlehem between Christmas 1999 and Easter 2001, on the occasion of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ and the beginning of the third millennium.

Organization of the Islamic Conference Secretary General Azzedine Laraki expressed hope that the project would help bring about dialogue between the peoples of the area and Palestinian economic prosperity, but Laraki also criticized Israel's approach toward the peace process, citing non-compliance with agreements that had brought the peace process to a halt. He called for international pressure on Israel to help advance a just and comprehensive peace.

Arab League Assistant Secretary General Said Kamal underlined AL support for the Palestinian cause and the international character of the Bethlehem 2000 project, while noting Israeli delays in the implementation of the Wye River accord.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan sent a message delivered by FAO Undersecretary for Political Affairs Kieran Pendergast. Annan's message underscored the symbolic importance of the city where Christ was born, saying, "Whether we have had the privilege of visiting the city or not, its historic and sacred meaning shines like a lodestar in our consciousness. It reminds us of the bonds created by belief, of faith's ability to heal humanity, of the power of prayer. "

However the message noted the need for improvements to the city itself, "Its population of more than 125,000 -- the majority of whom live in dismal conditions -- place an enormous burden on the city's aging infrastructure," emphasizing the importance of the Bethlehem 2000 project in preparing for the event through "improving municipal infrastructure and public services while restoring and preserving Bethlehem's rich archaeological, cultural and historical heritage."