Israeli officials prevent Arab dignitaries from flying into West Bank
Date: 21 / 03 / 2009 Time: 18:50
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Bethlehem - Ma'an - Israeli border officials prevented dozens of dignitaries
set to attend the Al-Quds Capital of Arab Culture 2009 events from flying
into the West Bank from Amman by helicopter.

The officials were forced to enter the Palestinian area via the Allenby
Bridge. One delayed official was Kuwaiti dignitary Sheikh Fahad As-Sabah,
who was set to receive the Jerusalem medal for his work in helping assure
the rights and freedoms of Palestinians.

Though delayed, As-Sabah was handed the Jerusalem medal for his support of
Palestine and its aim of establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as
its capital.

As-Sabah, who is head of the Asian Olympic Council, was honored in Bethlehem
ahead of the celebrations for Al-Quds Capital of Arab Culture 2009.

The celebration was attended by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and
head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee Jibreel Ar-Rajoub.