BETHLEHEM, February 15, 2007 (WAFA) - Bethlehem embraced Thursday a French Christian delegation of 600 pilgrims and tourists. The delegation is headed by Archbishop André Vingt-Trois XXIII.

The delegation was received in the Nativity Church by the Mayors of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. They pilgrims had special masses and prayers in the church.

The delegation was briefed on the latest developments in Bethlehem as well as the Israeli arbitrary measures against it such as closures, siege and the construction of Apartheid Wall which snakes around the city and separates it from its spiritual twin, Jerusalem.

For his part, Archbishop André Vingt-Trois XXIII said they came to Bethlehem to know the truth about the Wall and the sufferings it causes to the Palestinians and to show solidarity with Bethlehem Christians.

A.D (13:28 P) (11:28 GMT)