02 July 2004

by Anai Rhoads

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Veriana Media - Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom met with U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice Friday, to discuss the legality of the West Bank barrier.

Shalom made it clear that Israel will not comply with any ruling by the World Court. In addition, the Israeli government is asking the Bush administration to prevent the United Nations (UN) from taking any steps to stop Israel.

The UN General Assembly had passed a resolution late 2003 demanding that Israel halt construction of the barrier in the West Bank. The vote for the resolution was passed with 144 in favour, 4 opposed and 12 members abstaining.

Israel fears the General Assembly is sympathetic to Palestine's plight, and is now seeking U.S. involvement.

Officials in Israel insist that the wall is a security measure designed to deter terrorists from entering Israel, but UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast said the barrier is hurting innocent Palestinians.

The World Court will conduct a hearing on 09 July to discuss the barrier issue. The UN Court also plans to collect information to present Israel with an advisory document.

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