Return Visit Possible...

[AFP Report]

Whitney Houston to return to Israel in September to film US cable show

JERUSALEM (AFP) - US pop diva Whitney Houston, on a six-day visit to Israel, is planning to return in September to film a special Christmas programme for a US cable network, the Israeli tourism ministry said.

Houston's husband Bobby Brown told Tourism Minister Benny Elon that she had decided to make a Christmas special in Israel for the US network HBO in late 2003, a statement said.

"It is a pleasure and an honour to be in Israel. Thank you for your special attention," Houston wrote in a letter presented to the minister. "I hope to see you soon."

The couple on Tuesday met with Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon (news - web sites) at his Jerusalem residence, and Brown later met with Elon at the King David hotel.

At the meeting, the minister presented Brown with a replica of a third century silver dinar and a certificate of appreciation for being a "goodwill ambassador for Israel." A similar certificate was also made out for Houston.

Houston, 40, and her husband and daughter made the visit to Israel at the invitation of the desert-dwelling Black Hebrews, who have been living here since 1969. She is due to release a musical track sung with members of the community.

The family are due to visit the Galilee and Jordan river later in the week, according to media reports.
 

NEWSFILE: 28 MAY 2003