Remarks with Palestinian Minister of Women's Affairs and Tourism Kholoud Daybis At the Church of the NativitySecretary Condoleezza RiceBethlehem, Jerusalem October 17, 2007 QUESTION: What you can say about the (inaudible)?
SECRETARY RICE: We have a few words that we would like to say about the Church. MINISTER DAYBIS: Well, I believe that (inaudible) to Bethlehem (inaudible) is a very unique experience. I thank Madame Secretary (inaudible). I was very much touched to be here at the birthplace of Jesus of Bethlehem. I'm sure this visit will remain unforgettable and I hope that it will provide Madame Secretary with new energy to face the challenge of the next upcoming preparation for the conference, which we hope it will bring peace to the whole region and to Palestine and to Bethlehem. SECRETARY RICE: Thank you very much, Minister. And I'd just like to make first a personal reflection that being here at the birthplace of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been a very special and moving experience. I was saying earlier that I think I could spell Bethlehem before I could spell my name because I -- was so often in the stories that children follow to learn about the life of Jesus Christ, and it all started here in Bethlehem. It is also, I think, personally for me a reminder that the Prince of Peace is still with us and still with me and with all of us, but that also these great monotheistic religions that have inhabited this land together have an opportunity to overcome differences, to put aside grievances, to make the power of religion a power of healing and a power of reconciliation rather than a power of division. And that is what these great holy sites remind us of is that the three great religions indeed share a common vision of peace and a common vision of our humanity. And that is what I ultimately take away from this trip. Thank you so much. 2007/T17-18 Released on October 17, 2007 |
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