BETHLEHEM, February 7, 2011 (WAFA) – Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Monday submitted to UNESCO the Church of Nativity in West Bank biblical city of Bethlehem to be Palestine's first world heritage site, Tourism Minister Kholoud Daibes said in a press conference.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Permanent Observant of Palestine to the UNESCO submitted the birthplace of Jesus, the Church of the Nativity, and the Pilgrimage Route to be considered and recognized as World Heritage.

Daibes stressed the importance of the timing of the submission as it comes as the Palestinian Authority is building its state institutions.

She said that a similar file for Hebron sites has been reviewed and submitted to the ministry for possible registration as world heritage.

Saeb Erekat, head of the PLO’s Negotiations Affairs Department, said in an earlier statement that “all Palestinians everywhere are proud of their diverse and rich heritage.”

He said this “will be the first of many heritage sites Palestine intends to submit and share with the world.”

He said, “Palestine is home to some of the world’s most important heritage sites. One of the most significant sites of universal importance to humanity is the Old Town of Bethlehem and the birthplace of Jesus.  Palestinians long to share our patrimony with the world as protected and recognized UNESCO world heritage sites.”

A decision regarding this submission is not expected before the middle of next year.

R.Q./M.A.