United Nations
A/RES/55/18
General Assembly
Distr.: General
9 January 2001
Fifty-fifth session
Agenda item 36
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly
[without reference to a Main Committee (A/55/L.3 and Add.1)]
55/18. Bethlehem 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,
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