(19 Dec 2000) Natural Sound
In his Christmas message, one of the most influential Christian clergymen in the Holy Land called on Israel and the Palestinians to put an end to nearly 3-months of violence.
Michel Sabah is the first Palestinian to serve as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the region.
Sabah said the violence that has swept the West Bank and Gaza Strip had destroyed any chance of joyful Christmas celebrations.
More than 330 people have been killed during clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces.
The end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival that will overlap with Christmas.
Sabah said Palestinian freedom from occupation was his Christmas wish.
The patriarch urged Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, to commemorate their holy days despite the grim circumstances.
He also expressed hopes that the Israeli-Palestinian consultations taking place in Washington would bear fruit.
The two sides are initially meeting separately with U-S mediators.
The patriarch called on the two sides to resolve their dispute over Jerusalem, claimed by both sides as their capital.
He condemned all violence, but said the Israeli response to Palestinian shooting incidents have been excessive.
Meanwhile, few tourists were braving the streets of the Old City and business was bleak.
Those that were here said they were taking advantage of the empty streets to enjoy their sightseeing and remained confident that nothing would stop them enjoying Christmas in the Holy Land.
The Mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert, agreed with their sentiments.
He said no-one had the right to cancel Christmas in Bethlehem and he personally guaranteed the safety of all
tourists who wanted to visit Bethlehem during Christmas.
Access to the town, Jesus' birthplace, is still tightly restricted, and the army has not yet announced whether the town will be a closed military zone during Christmas celebrations.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's pretty cool because all the tourists are gone and we're all by ourselves. We like that."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Nothing is going to change Christmas, even with the political situation. So it will be a really good time."
SUPER CAPTION: Vox Pop
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think the manifestations of joy, happiness and festivities will be limited. Because in defence of the people themselves who have not joy, they have not Christmas in their hearts."
SUPER CAPTION: Michel Sabah, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We condemn as I have said now, all forms of violence. All shooting, all reprisals. But, when there is shooting, when the Palestinians shoot, while the Israeli answer is not equal to the Palestinian shooting."
SUPER CAPTION: Michel Sabah, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"How can anyone think that he has a right to cancel the religious ceremonies of Christmas in Bethlehem because of the political situation. I'm taking the responsibility to say that Israel will be ready to offer every assistance, every possible arrangement that's necessary in order to guarantee the entire safety of every visitor that will come to Bethlehem for Christmas because I know how important it is to the Christian community."
SUPER CAPTION: Ehud Olmert, Mayor of Jerusalem
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
