KANSAS, December 23, 2005 (WAFA)- The Mayor of Bethlehem city, Victor Batarseh, called on the US to exert utmost efforts toward implementing the international legitimacy in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

During a recent visit to the USA, Batarseh said that the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian land is the sole obstacle to peace and the major cause of instability in our region.

"I call upon the U.S. government, the main sponsor of the Middle East peace process, to do its utmost toward implementing the international legitimacy represented in the United Nations Security Council resolutions, for the sake of a just, comprehensive peace in our region to allow both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, to live in the Holy Land together and forever as good and equal neighbours," Batarseh said in a message published Friday in National Catholic Reporter.

He expressed his proud for becoming Bethlehem Mayor, saying that "though it is little in size, it is one of the most famous cities on earth. Bethlehem is a name that lives in the hearts of millions of people. It signifies love, hope and peace for mankind."

"Throughout the past years, the Israeli settlements' greedy campaign has cost us considerable loss of our land and resources," he added.

Batarseh also made it clear that the continuous closure imposed on Bethlehem has crippled our freedom to move about, our trade and our labour force.

H.M. (21:56 P) (19:56 GMT)