Bethlehem hopes for post-Arafat Christmas revival
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As memorial posters of Yasser Arafat fade fast in Bethlehem&#39;s Manger Square, Palestinians in the birthplace of Jesus dare to hope this Christmas will not be as bleak as the last few.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank, Oct. 17 -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice paid an emotional visit Wednesday to the church revered as marking the birthplace of Jesus, before hearing from prominent Palestinians that failure of her new peace initiative could worsen their conflict with Israel.
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These days, Bethlehem's hospitals aren't just for the sick. They're becoming havens from Israel too.
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UK News, LONDON, Is there hope in the Middle East in the aftermath of Yasser Arafat&#39;s death, or will the optimistic noises now being made fizzle out into the usual confrontation?
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Gloom was banished from Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem for the first time in years on Monday as Christian pilgrims from all over the world flocked here to celebrate Jesus' birth in an atmosphere of renewed tranquility
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Encouraged by renewed peace talks, Christian pilgrims on Monday converged on this city, to celebrate Christmas â a palpable contrast to the sparse crowds of recent years.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank -- Christmas Eve celebrations in Bethlehem have brought an atmosphere of peace and goodwill to the holy city.
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A Roman Catholic priest on Saturday led one of the first cheerful Christmas Day celebrations in Bethlehem in years, after fighting, military curfews and a general glum had kept most visitors away since the late 1990s.
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BEIJING, Dec. 25 -- Under heavy security, Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Mahmoud Abbas arrived in the holy West Bank city of Bethlehem Friday night to attend Christmas celebrations.
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Peace appeals are heard as Palestinian leaders join Christmas festivities in the town of Bethlehem.
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The international diplomatic enthusiasm for Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking that erupted after the death of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has apparently not filtered down to the streets of Bethlehem.
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank  - Bethlehem souvenir store owner Mike Canawati is gearing up for his merriest Christmas in years.
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Cheer came back partly to the Holy city, considered the birthplace of Jesus with Israel easing travel restrictions and extending goodwill gestures towards pilgrims and the Palestinian Authority (PA).
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BETHLEHEM, West Bank, DEC. 22, 2004 .- The Israeli government announced that it would not prevent Israeli Christians from visiting Bethlehem for Christmas celebrations.
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With the lighting of a candle for peace in his window, Pope John Paul began Christmas holiday celebrations that posed a new test for his frail health not long after visitors celebrated in Bethlehem.
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The Queenâs annual Christmas Broadcast, which appealed for greater tolerance and understanding between Britainâs differing cultural and religious groups, was tonight warmly welcomed by Muslim leaders.
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Well-wishers have created a makeshift shrine of flowers, candles and messages of support outside the hospital where Yasser Arafat is being treated.