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CNN Live At Daybreak

Standoff Continues in Bethlehem

Aired May 08, 2002 - 05:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: More now on the Middle East. There is a concern the latest suicide bombing may threaten the deal to end the Church of the Nativity standoff in Bethlehem. The deal had already hit a stumbling block when Italian officials revealed they were not contacted about accepting some of the militants holed up inside that church.

CNN's Matthew Chance picks up the story in Bethlehem.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Everything appeared to be in place. After five weeks of painful negotiations, Israeli barricades were finally readied to evacuate the Church of the Nativity and bring this unholy standoff to an end. Even metal detectors to check the weapons in Manager Square were put in place.

But the terms of the agreement which seized 13 of what Israel says are hardcore militants among those holed up inside the church cast into exile has hit a crucial stumbling block. Italy, the country to where they were all meant to be banished, says it won't take them in, at least not until they're consulted much more.

COL. OLIVIER RAFOWICZ, ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES: We have reached an understanding to resolve the crisis of the Church of the Nativity. We intend to implement an agreement. The implementation is being delayed because there is no country willing to accept the terrorists and we are waiting for progress.

CHANCE: Apart from anything else, there is a legal question here, how can men accused of crimes but never tried be placed under indefinite guard in Italy or anywhere else?

News of the delay has dashed hopes in Bethlehem that this town's ordeal was at an end. While Israeli soldiers run the streets, a curfew is in force, paralyzing ordinary life here. Apart from anything else, officials say the trash accumulating on the streets is becoming a health risk.

HANNA NASSER, MAYOR OF BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK: This is the third incursion and the most tough and bitter incursion we have witnessed here in Bethlehem, and the most destructive incursion that the city has witnessed. And our estimation in the -- in the first three weeks were about $5 million American to fix the damages that have been caused only to the damages that are related to this city hall. And of course now I appeal upon the world to come and help this loved -- this nice, peaceful, loved city of Bethlehem here.

CHANCE: In the birthplace of Christ, Buddhists too have come to offer spiritual support. There may still be obstacles in bringing this standoff to an end, but there is almost universal hope that end will come soon.

Matthew Chance, CNN, in Bethlehem.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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