Tuesday 9 March 1999

Britain 'ignoring Bethlehem appeal'

LONDON EVENING STANDARD
March 9, 1999

Matthew Kalman

BRITAIN stands accused today of ignoring a massive international fundraising drive to renovate Bethlehem in time for the millennium.

Christian countries have contributed millions towards making the town fit to receive an expected four million visitors and pilgrims, plus heads of state, for the 2,000th anniversary of Christ's birth.

But Britain, despite promises, is said to have given only moral support. The Mayor of Bethlehem spoke today of his sadness and frustration at Britain's failure to contribute a penny to the celebrations. Mayor Hanna Nasser said he was doubly baffled by British tardiness, because Tony Blair has accepted an invitation to join the international …

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