'Speed up the West Bank wall'
2003-11-27 12:48
Tel Aviv - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon promised on Thursday to speed up the construction of the controversial West Bank separation barrier, in spite of US opposition to the project.
"Today, we are speeding up the construction of the fence and we will not stop; it is vital for the security of the state and it is our responsibility," Sharon told the Israeli press.
His remarks came quick on the heels of a US decision to deduct almost $300m from loan guarantees in protest against Israel's spending on the barrier and settlements in the Palestinian territories.
- AFP