Resolution 55/18
(November 7, 2000)
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 is continuing to celebrate in Bethlehem,
a city of peace, the onset of the new millennium in a global vision of
hope for all peoples,
Stressing again 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 began at Christmas, 1999, and will
come to a close at Easter, 2001,
Aware also of the assistance needed with regard to the above-mentioned
Project, and expressing appreciation for the steps already 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,
Recalling the convening of the Bethlehem 2000 International Conference
in Rome, on 18 and 19 February 1999, and its impact on the promotion of
the Bethlehem 2000 Project and the mobilization of public awareness in
all regions in support of this endeavour,
Welcoming the participation in the Bethlehem celebrations of several
heads of State and Government and many other eminent personalities, including
religious leaders, and expressing appreciation for the Palestinian preparations
for this event,
Welcoming also the historic Jubilee 2000 pilgrimage of His Holiness
Pope John Paul II to the Holy Land, his landmark visit to the holy sites
in Bethlehem and the important message delivered by the Pontiff at Manger
Square,
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 renewed hope for a successful outcome of the Middle
East peace process and the achievement of a final settlement between the
Palestinian and Israeli sides, so that the millennium may be celebrated
in an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation,
1. Welcomes this global and historic celebration in Bethlehem 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 worldwide support for the Bethlehem
2000 Project, and calls for sustained assistance and engagement by the
international community as a whole, including private sector participation,
in ensuring the success of the Project and of this monumental commemoration;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to mobilize the pertinent
organizations and agencies of the United Nations system to increase their
efforts to ensure the successful completion of the Bethlehem 2000 Project;
5. Decides to conclude, at the current session, consideration by
the General Assembly of the item entitled "Bethlehem 2000".
Sources: The United Nations |