Palestinians were pleased to achieve that Bethlehem is a UNESCO World Heritage
Palestinian officials today welcomed the Basilica of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route in Bethlehem have been included, with a single candidacy on the List of World Heritage in Danger UNESCO.
"This is the result of diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) with members of the Committee of UNESCO, and the vote demonstrates the Palestinian people's right to protect their heritage," he told the media the Minister Palestinian Tourism and Archaeology, Roly Maiyaa.
The decision was adopted by thirteen votes in favor, six against and two abstentions, according to the World Heritage Committee of the organization.
This is the first time that the ANP, accepted as full member of UNESCO in December 2011, requesting the inclusion of a Palestinian site on the List of World Heritage.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian foreign minister, Riyad Malki, said at a news conference in St. Petersburg, where they held the vote and before the applause of the participants: "You have our heartfelt thanks," reads the Palestinian news agency independent "Maan".
Palestine, he added, is "the cradle of human civilization", before announcing that more applications will be submitted to villages south of Jerusalem and threatened by the Israeli separation wall are included in the list of protected world heritage.
In Bethlehem, Deputy Mayor George Saade thanked all the countries that gave their support to the Palestinian demand.
"We feel that justice has been done and we are very happy. Everyone is happy in Bethlehem and Palestine," he added.
The PLO leader, Hanan Ashrawi welcomed the decision which he described as a moment of "national pride".
"The Palestinian people are celebrating this decision as a moment of national pride and affirmation of their rich and unique heritage and identity," he said in a statement after the vote.
The Palestinians called for urgent registration due to degradation of the architectural complex in Bethlehem.
"Bethlehem, the Old City and its churches were victims of deliberate Israeli military attacks in 1977 and again between 2001 and 2002," said the Palestinian authorities in an open letter to the committee.
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