New problem due to a new building between Jerusalem and Bethlehem

The Israeli authorities started establishing a new building on the border passage between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

In a press conference held in Bethlehem today, broadcast by Israel Radio, the head of Bethlehem muniplicity, Hanna Naser, accused Israel of exploiting the building work to seize land affiliated to the city of Bethlehem.

The spokesman of the governmental works coordinator in the area denied these accusations, saying that the construction work is being done to be ready for the year 2000 based on the expectations of increased movement through the border passage.