AD-DAR CULTURAL AND CONFERENCE CENTER INAUGURATION
by Finnish Minister of Foreign Trade and development Ms. Paula Lehtomaki
Yours Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It a great honour for me to be here today to participate in the inauguration of the Ad-Dar Cultural and Conference Center and bring you all a warm greeting from the people of Finland.
An official inauguration in this case marks the result of many years of intense effort on the part of many people. Today our joint effort finally bears fruit.
This project is of great importance for us. It brings together so many elements important both for the Finns and the Palestinians.
Already the location of the center holds particular significance. The town of Bethlehem possesses a multi-faceted character; it is comprised of religious, historical and a cultural dimensions. Bethlehem is town of symbolic prominence and one of the most religiously significant sites on earth. It is of great importance for the Palestinian people and the Middle East region. Bethlehem has special meaning for all the believers of the world and for the international community as a whole.
We know all this from the history books, but we don't want to experience the glory of the past only. We hope that Bethlehem is the place where the history and the future will meet. With the Ad-Dar Center we want to be part of the future which hopefully brings hope and peace for all the people in this region. Unfortunately, the town of Bethlehem, has also suffered greatly during the last few years. There has been a halt in its natural development and progression. People in Bethlehem, like rest of the Palestinians need - and deserve the support and engagement of the international community in their efforts to live a normal human life. Behind our support to this project is an understanding that we have to respond to needs of these people.
The International Center of Bethlehem shares our vision in this respect. By serving the local community it responds to many needs. But in addition to that, it also has an important mission in promoting a dialogue between cultures and religions - a dialogue that is precondition for peace in this region. This new building will, I’m sure, strengthen Bethlehem International Center’s efforts to achieve its goals.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As was mentioned in the outset, this event marks the result of many years of intense effort on the part of many people. I would like to recognize each and every one of you, but I'm afraid that it is practically impossible. There are so many of you who have contributed to this work. However, there are some people who I have to mention.
First of all, the founder and General Director of the International Center of Bethlehem, Dr. Mitri Raheb. He worked very hard while selling this project to our Government. During this mission he received valuable support from Bishop Yunan, who we actually consider to be one of us - a true Finn. He knows our country and the Finnish people better than most of the Finns themselves. Today I am extremely happy that we took on their offer.
I also want to praise the architect - academician Juha Leiviskä - who by planning this building has created another masterpiece. Although - according to my opinion - this building has some strong Finnish features it blends beautifully with its surroundings.
This project was originally initiated as a part of Bethlehem 2000 programme. The planning and preparation for this major event was an immense endeavour by the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority. You, Minister Kassis, played a central role in the whole Bethlehem 2000 project. I want to thank you personally, and the whole Palestinian Authority for the support and excellent cooperation during these years.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In his book, Bethlehem 2000 – past and present, Dr. Raheb writes also about the name of this town. "Bethlehem suggests a place where the stranger is welcomed and where there is food in abundance, even amidst the rugged desert landscape." Today I have learned that this interpretation is so true. I want to thank you all for the warm welcome I have received.
Thank you.