Mr Arafat hopes the international attention on the town will assist his campaign for an independent Palestinian state and give a much-needed boost to tourism. We declare the message of peace from the city of the Prophet of Peace Yasser Arafat Palestinian flags fluttered in the sunshine and armed police watched from rooftops around the square in front of the sixth-century Church of the Nativity, built over a grotto which Christians revere as the traditional birthplace of Jesus. He also thanked Pope John Paul II, who wants to make a pilgrimage to Israel and the Palestinian lands next year. Before the tree-lighting, leaders from all 13 Christian denominations represented in Jerusalem offered prayers for a peaceful and joyous Christmas season.
Some work is still to be completed.
More than two million pilgrims and visitors are expected to travel to the area to attend special services in 2000. The celebrations have already been marred by continuing Palestinian protests at plans to expand an Israeli settlement. Three people were wounded after Israeli soldiers opened fire on protesters with rubber bullets during the clashes. In another sign of obstacles visitors could face, Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint on the road from Jerusalem made travellers take a lengthy detour into Bethlehem on Saturday. The soldiers said the main road had been closed because of Mr Arafat's presence.