DATE=10/05/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS (S)

NUMBER=2-289643

BYLINE=ROSS DUNN

DATELINE=JERUSALEM

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The nearly six-week siege of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity has ended. Palestinian militants have left the shrine. Ross Dunn in Jerusalem has more on the story.

TEXT: The first to emerge from the Church of the Nativity were 13 wanted Palestinians, who were led through metal detectors and searched by Israeli soldiers.

They were taken to an Israeli military camp outside Bethlehem and were to fly to Cyprus on a British plane.

The 13 are on Israel's most wanted list and Cyprus has said it will give them temporary sanctuary, while their final place of exile is determined.

Next to leave the church were 26 Palestinian militants who are to be sent to the Gaza Strip, under an internationally mediated agreement with Israel.

The others who were either trapped or stayed inside the Church voluntarily were priests, nuns and civilians and they are to be allowed to go free. (SIGNED)

NEB/RD/RAE