Speech at electricity project in Jarrad

Ministers, Excellencies,
Mr. Mayor,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bethlehem. This unique place in history.

From early schooldays Norwegian boys and girls are taught the name and wonder of that city.

The events of Bethlehem 2000 years back in history mark the beginning of the Christian era.

And now, two millenia later, the Bethlehem 2000 project under the strong leadership of President Yasir Arafat and his minister, Dr. Nabeel Kassis, is a gigantic effort. You will develop living conditions and prepare the area for the great celebrations to come.

Energy development has been given the highest priority by the Palestinian Authority. Rightly so. Furthermore, this is a field where Norway has enjoyed the experiences of co-operating with you.

This energy project will contribute to fulfilling your ambitious goals for Bethlehem. I am pleased that the project includes the supply of electricity to six villages in the Bethlehem area.

I am honoured to greet the representatives of these villages here today.

Let me express my gratitude to the Palestinian Energy Authority and the Jerusalem District Electricity Company for taking the responsibility for implementing the project. I know you have a tight schedule in order to finish the work before December 1999.

I salute the Palestinian Authority, the 2000 Project, the Municipality and the people of Bethlehem and the surrounding villages.

I wish you all the best in your endeavours. Thank you.