World body demands action over Israel's 'illegal' security barrier

The UN General Assembly has "voted overwhelmingly" to demand that Israel comply with a World Court advisory opinion, which declared the construction of a separation barrier in and around the West Bank to be illegal.

In adopting a resolution by a vote of 150 to 6, with 10 abstentions, the Assembly also called on all UN member states to comply with its obligations as contained in the finding by International Court of Justice (ICJ).

On July 9, the ICJ - the UN's principal judicial organ - issued an advisory opinion saying the separation barrier was illegal and that construction must stop immediately. The Court also said Israel should make reparations for any damage caused, and that the Assembly and the Security Council should consider what steps to take "to bring to an end the illegal situation" created by the barrier.

Reflecting the ICJ determination, yesterday's UN resolution precludes member states from recognising the "illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in and around East Jerusalem" – and "not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by such construction".

The Assembly called on both the Israelis and the Palestinian Authority to immediately implement their obligations under the Road Map peace plan sponsored by the UN, EU, Russian and US, which calls for a series of parallel and reciprocal steps by each party leading to two States living side-by-side in peace by 2005.

The UK voted in favour of UN resolution. Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said that the UK recognised Israelis security concerns, but called on Israel to "act in accordance with International Law".

He added: "We have no objection to the construction of a barrier to protect civilians on condition that it is built on internationally acknowledged borders or within Israeli territory. But we believe that the construction of this barrier on occupied territory, with the destruction of property and hardship that it entails, is unlawful."

Mr Straw said that, in the long term, the barrier was unlikely to deliver the peace and security Israel seeks – only a negotiated settlement could bring that about.

"The UK will continue to work with the parties, EU partners and Quartet members to help achieve progress towards a just and lasting two-state solution," he said.

(gmcg)