Vol. 559 No. 5
67 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Israeli Government to prevent the President of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, from making his traditional Christmas visit to Bethlehem; if he will urge the Israeli authorities to reverse this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26532/02]
I am aware of the closures and restrictions to which Bethlehem, like many cities in the occupied territories, is subject. I have on many occasions, together with our European Union partners, urged the necessity of lifting these measures to allow normal life to be restored for the inhabitants. It is particularly poignant for most of us in this country to see Bethlehem under siege at this holy season. I am aware that the Israeli authorities have indicated that President Arafat should not travel to Bethlehem to take part in the Christmas ceremonies at the Church of the Nativity. I have also stated that confining President Arafat plays into the hands of extremists. I would certainly urge the Israeli Government not to interfere with the traditional ceremonies in Bethlehem and to assure freedom of worship to all who wish to attend. I reiterate the need for all closures and restrictions on movement imposed on the people of the occupied territories to be lifted at the earliest possible opportunity.
