On behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, Dr. Ramzi Khouri, member of the PLO Executive Committee and Head of the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, attended the Christmas dinner for churches observing the Western calendar. The event was attended by Cardinal Pierre Batista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Father Francesco Paton, Custos of the Holy Land, Father Ibrahim Faltas, Vicar of Custody of the Holy Land, Ambassador of Jordan to Palestine Issam Al-Budour, representing His Majesty King Abdullah II, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Secretary-General of Fatah Central Committee Major General Jibril Rajoub, Bethlehem Governor Mr. Muhammad Taha Abu Aliya, mayor of Bethlehem Anton Salman, along with Palestinian security officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and numerous distinguished guests.
In his address, Dr. Khouri conveyed the heartfelt greetings and best wishes of President Mahmoud Abbas to the Palestinian people, who are observing their religious traditions according to the Western calendar, in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
