Sharon slams ICJ for attack
2004-07-11 10:37
Jerusalem - Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Sunday that a bombing in Tel Aviv had been carried out "under the patronage" of a world court ruling against Israel's West Bank barrier and vowed to ignore the verdict of the UN's highest legal body.
"An hour ago, an Israeli woman was murdered by Palestinian terrorist criminals and other civilians were killed. We are all praying for their wellbeing," the premier said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting here.
"The murderous act that was carried out this morning was the first to occur under the patronage of the world court's decision."
The International Court of Justice said in a non-binding verdict on Friday that the barrier was illegal and parts already built on Palestinian territory should be dismantled.
"The state of Israel totally rejects the opinion of the world court," Sharon said in his first public reaction to the advisory judgement.
"The ruling totally ignores the reason behind the construction of the security barrier which is Palestinian terrorism."
The Palestinian leadership was to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss how to pursue its campaign against the barrier at the United Nations in the light of the court's decision.
The Palestinians are expected to push for a UN Security Council resolution against the barrier and the imposition of sanctions if Israel does not comply with the court's ruling although such a move would likely be vetoed by the United States.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is currently attending an Aids conference in the Thai capital Bangkok, urged Israel to comply with the ruling.
"I think the decision of the court is clear," he told reporters on Sunday.
"While we all accept the government of Israel has a responsibility - and indeed the duty - to protect its citizens, any action it takes has to be in conformity with international law and has to respect the interest of the Palestinians.
"And Israel, as an occupying power, is responsible for the welfare of the Palestinian people."