Subscribe to Print Edition | Tue., December 25, 2007 Tevet 16, 5768 | | Israel Time: 22:04 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File Hanukkah

Abbas, second right, and PA premier Fayyad, right, look on as priests take part in the Christmas mass in Bethlehem. (AP) del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 11:40 25/12/2007 Abbas tells Bethlehem pilgrims Palestinian independence near By Reuters Tags: Bethlehem, Mahmoud Abbas  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas told pilgrims in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve that "the new year, God willing, will be a year of security and economic stability." Thousands gathered in Bethlehem on Monday for a Christmas mass promoted by and Western powers as a chance to highlight the benefits of peacemaking. "We pray next year will be the year of independence for the Palestinian people," Abbas continued. Advertisement Christmas carols played through a packed Manger Square ahead of the traditional midnight mass, though the majority of those gathered were Palestinians and not the foreign tourists local vendors were hoping for. Earlier in the day, religious and political leaders arrived in the town where Christians believe Jesus was born. At a U.S.-sponsored peace conference last month, Abbas and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert launched negotiations with the goal of reaching a statehood agreement by the end of 2008. Ahead of the festivities, Palestinian security forces, many carrying newly issued rifles, took up positions on the streets of Bethlehem in numbers not seen in years. "Despite all the security, people couldn't be more friendly," said Eaddy Kiernan, 22, on holiday from the United States, about the large number of armed guards. "It's the most special place you could celebrate Christmas." Bethlehem was particularly affected when tourism slumped during the early years of a Palestinian uprising - or Intifada - that erupted in 2000. Israel allowed dozens of Christians from Gaza to travel to Bethlehem to take part in the festivities Store owners this year say they are celebrating their most peaceful - and profitable - Christmas in seven years. "We are more satisfied. The economic situation is getting a little better," said Khaled Msalam, a 42-year-old Bethlehem shop owner. "Still, people have financial trouble and can't afford a lot of our products." Tourism, the lifeblood of Bethlehem's economy, has improved as Western powers have sought to bolster Abbas in his power struggle with Hamas Islamists who took over the Gaza Strip in June. Nadia Hazboun, who manages a souvenir store opposite the Church of the Nativity said: "This year is better than other years because this peace process is making people feel more calm." After struggling for years to fill rooms, many Bethlehem hotels are fully booked for Christmas. Middle East envoy Tony Blair has been trying to improve tourist access and facilities in Bethlehem. The former British prime minister recently stayed overnight in one of the city's best hotels to send a message it is safe. But local leaders remain cautious; tourism numbers still hover at just 60-70 percent of pre-Intifada levels, and many Western governments still warn against non-essential travel. Related articles: Haaretz.com TV: Bethlehem sees record number of tourists for Christmas Tourists crowd Bethlehem for Christmas festivities Fayyad's police take over as Bethlehem becomes latest city in PA security drive Gaza's Christians keep low Christmas profile after activist slain Bookmark to del.icio.us Happy birthday Gloom has been banished from Bethlehem's Christmas celebrations. Reforming Judaism An international Reform movement summit in Jerusalem will tackle issues of status in Israel.   1.   As Bethlehem slides into a total Muslim city 12:28  |  Chick 25/12/07   2.   Chick 13:02  |  Nik "Banned" Miller 25/12/07   3.   O Little Town of Bethlehem 13:14  |  Yonatan 25/12/07   4.   Palestine will be liberated from the vile Illegal Presence,but 13:21  |  lakshmi 25/12/07   5.   #4 lakshmi - which "vile illegal presence"? 13:58  |  Yonatan 25/12/07   6.   #4 - smoking the same mushrooms as Abbas 14:04  |  redmike 25/12/07   7.   TO NO 5. 14:48  |  DANNY. 25/12/07   8.   Yonatan Lakshmi means that Abbas will be kicked out 15:01  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 25/12/07   9.   LAKSHMI AND ABBAS 15:12  |  Brant 25/12/07   10.   # 2 15:22  |  Natallie Durson 25/12/07   11.   Bethlehem, birthplace of the Muslim prophet Jesus. 16:41  |  David 25/12/07   12.   Irony of life -nomads in Jewish city pledge its destruction 16:52  |  Sal 25/12/07   13.   Civility - Acknowledge the Decency of Most Muslims 17:10  |  soa 25/12/07   14.   Peace peace and there is not peace 17:43  |  Dan Chaza n 25/12/07   15.   Abbas 17:45  |  Ephraim 25/12/07   16.   Peace peace and there is no peace 17:49  |  Dan Chazan 25/12/07   17.   Lakshmi 18:02  |  H 25/12/07

Today Online Ministers lean toward freeing prisoners with 'blood on their hands' Responses: 75 J'lem Latin Patriarch: Occupying power must see to peace Responses: 85 Foreign Ministry: Syria feels peace must wait for next U.S. president Responses: 68 Olmert plans to streamline conversion system for immigrants Responses: 59 Rosner: Ron Paul insists Israel pushing Americans into Iran Responses: 292 IDF won't charge officers who fired cluster bombs in Lebanon war Responses: 227 Rosner's Domain Race for the White House: Huckabee backs talks with Iran Only the Palestinians can transform their political future (WTR) Ron Paul insists: 'Israel encourages Americans to go into Iran' Poll: A cease-fire with Hamas, good or bad? More Headlines 21:28 Olmert to Assad: Israel awaits your response on reviving talks 21:07 Egypt: Livni should keep quiet on arms smuggling into Gaza Strip 21:39 Israel welcomes largest group of Iran olim since Islamic Revolution 17:33 Sneh: Budget fails to address security threat to home front 18:43 Masked settlers beat Palestinian farmers near Nablus 21:26 Top Republican candidate says supports dialogue with Iran 16:43 PM Olmert plans to streamline conversion of immigrants 20:53 Dozens of Fatah supporters stage mass break-out from Rafah camp 17:38 Dichter: Courts are too merciful in sentencing criminals Previous Editions Select Day 24 dec 23 dec 21 dec 20 dec 19 dec 18 dec 17 dec 16 dec 14 dec 13 dec 12 dec 11 dec

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