(19 Dec 1995) English/Nat
Palestinians in the city of Bethlehem are preparing for their first Christmas celebrations under self-rule.
The birthplace of Jesus will be the sixth West Bank town handed to the Palestinians under the Israel P-L-O autonomy accords.
The Israeli pullout has been postponed by several days, as they complete a new road which will bypass the city.
And that has been a source of friction in Bethlehem.
The road to Bethlehem's future -- still under construction.
When it's completed, Jewish settlers will be able to travel into Israel through Palestinian-held territory, bypassing the West Bank town.
Israel's withdrawal has been put back three days to allow workers to complete the job.
In downtown Bethlehem, Palestinians are putting up Christmas decorations.
Hanging amidst the Christmas lights: pictures of P-L-O leader Yasser Arafat and Palestinian flags.
On Christmas Eve, Arafat is expected to make his first visit to the town since his return last year from exile.
Thousands of pilgrims from around the world are also expected to flock to Bethlehem .
Tourists and residents are already pouring into the church of Nativity to pray for a better and a more peaceful world.
At the moment, relations between Bethlehem's Palestinian officials, and its Israeli occupiers, could be a little better and a little more peaceful:
The Israeli authorities insist the delay in their withdrawal is necessary.
Mayor Elias Freij says there is no excuse for it.
SOUNDBITE:
"They will remain in the military headquarters until this road is completed. I do not believe it is a legitimate excuse, there is an agreement that on the main roads there will be joint Israeli-Palestinian forces
SUPER CAPTION: Elias Freij, Mayor of Bethlehem
As Palestinians prepare for their future, they continue to be faced with reminders of their past.
Israelis in uniform will still walk the streets of the town where Jesus was born -- but only in joint patrols with their Palestinian counterparts.
So Palestinians prepare for a double celebration: of Christmas... and of their new life in a Palestinian-controlled city.
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