JERUSALEM, Dec 27, 01 (CWNews.com) - Israel's government made it clear on Wednesday that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat would not be allowed to travel to Bethlehem for Orthodox celebrations of Christmas next month.
Israel had given an ultimatum to Arafat last week, demanding he arrest the assassins responsible for the murder of an Israeli Cabinet minister before he would be allowed to go to Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Israel said the ban also applies to Orthodox Christmas on January 6. The decision drew criticism from the US, the European Union, the Vatican, and the leaders of churches in the Holy Land.
Arafat, a Muslim, customarily attends Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem.
Raanan Gissin, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, said that after the October 17 assassination of Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi, for which Palestinian militants claimed responsibility, Arafat pledged to bring the killers to justice but instead allowed them to take refuge in territory under his control.
"If he really thinks it's important to participate in this ceremony, then by all means he should take responsibility and act as a leader," Gissin said. "Once he assumes that responsibility and takes that action there'll be no limitation on his movements anywhere, whether he wants to go to Bethlehem or anywhere else."
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
27. desember 2001