BETHLEHEM, Pa., December 20, 1999 - In response to media inquiries concerning the purchase of Bethlehem Steel Corporation common stock by WHX Corporation, the following statement was issued:

It is Bethlehem�s policy not to comment on the acquisition of Bethlehem�s shares by any individual or organization.

Bethlehem has regular communications with its stockholders by telephone, electronically and in personal meetings. The corporation will continue to communicate with stockholders, including WHX, to discuss appropriate matters relating to Bethlehem�s business activities. Bethlehem said that it values the views of its stockholders, and it is continuing to focus on its strategy of concentrating on steel, rebuilding its financial strength and improving continuously in order to increase the long-term value of Bethlehem for its stockholders.