Pilgrims flock to most peaceful Bethlehem in years

By Rebecca Harrison

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) - Thousands of pilgrims gathered in Bethlehem on Monday for a Christmas mass promoted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Western powers as a chance to highlight the benefits of peacemaking.

Christmas carols played through a packed Manger Square ahead of the traditional midnight mass, though the majority of those gathered were Palestinians and not the foreign tourists local vendors were hoping for.

Earlier in the day religious and political leaders arrived in the town where Christians believe Jesus was born.

At a U.S.-sponsored peace conference last month, Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert launched negotiations with the goal of reaching a statehood agreement by the end of 2008.

"The new year, God willing, will be a year of security and economic stability," Abbas said in Bethlehem. "We pray next year will be the year of independence for the Palestinian people."

Ahead of the festivities, Palestinian security forces, many carrying newly issued rifles, took up positions on the streets of Bethlehem in numbers not seen in years.

"Despite all the security, people couldn't be more friendly," said Eaddy Kiernan, 22, on holiday from the United States, about the large number of armed guards. "It's the most special place you could celebrate Christmas."

Bethlehem was particularly affected when tourism slumped during the early years of a Palestinian uprising -- or Intifada -- that erupted in 2000.