Resolution 53/27
(November 18, 1998)
The General Assembly,
Recalling the fact that the Palestinian city of Bethlehem is the
birthplace of Jesus Christ and one of the most historic and significant
sites on earth,
Noting that the world will celebrate in Bethlehem, a city of peace,
the onset of the new millennium in a global vision of hope for all peoples,
Stressing the monumental importance of the event for the Palestinian
people, for the peoples of the region and for the international community
as a whole, as it comprises significant religious, historical and cultural
dimensions,
Aware of the Bethlehem 2000 project as a multifaceted undertaking
for commemoration of the event, which will begin at Christmas, 1999, and
conclude at Easter, 2001,
Aware also of the needed assistance with regard to the
above-mentioned project, and expressing appreciation for the steps taken
towards increasing the engagement and participation of the international
community, including donor countries, and organizations of the United
Nations system, in particular the United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Development Programme and the
World Bank, as well as the European Commission, religious institutions and
others,
Expressing the need for immediate change in the situation on the
ground in the vicinity of Bethlehem, especially with regard to ensuring
freedom of movement,
Stressing the need for ensuring free and unhindered access to the
holy places in Bethlehem to the faithful of all religions and the citizens
of all nationalities,
Expressing the hope for rapid progress in the Middle East peace
process and the achievement of the final settlement between the Palestinian
and Israeli sides within the agreed time, so that the millennium may be
celebrated most appropriately in an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation,
1. Welcomes the impending arrival of this global, historic
celebration in Bethlehem of the birth of Jesus Christ and the onset of the
third millennium as a symbol of the shared hope for peace among all peoples
of the world;
2. Expresses support for the Bethlehem 2000 project and commends the
efforts undertaken by the Palestinian Authority in this regard;
3. Notes with appreciation the assistance given by the international
community in support of the Bethlehem 2000 project, and calls for increased
assistance and engagement by the international community as a whole,
including private sector participation, to ensure the success of the
Bethlehem 2000 project and the fruition of this monumental commemoration;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to mobilize the pertinent
organizations and agencies of the United Nations system to increase their
efforts to ensure the success of the Bethlehem 2000 project;
5. Decides to include in the provisional agenda of its fifty-fourth
session the item entitled Bethlehem 2000 so that the General Assembly may
have a renewed opportunity to reaffirm its further support for the event
immediately prior to the occasion of its commemoration.
Sources: The United Nations |