Batarseh,who is a Christian, said Bethlehem still brings hope at Christmas,with its eternal message of peace on earth, goodwill toward men.

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But now the law (is) with the police. We have security,we have calm, we have now the best situation in Bethlehem,".

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Israel erected the wall to stop a wave of suicide bombers, but Bethlehem Mayor Victor Batarseh says the town of Jesus' birth has become a prison.

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Bethlehem is in the Palestinian-ruled West Bank,and religion mixed with nationalism.

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some 70,000 are expected to visit Bethlehem this week.

VOA: standard.2009.12.25