(headline re-worded to shorten and clarify, per I/P forum rules)
Palestinians Respond to Israel’s Absence from ICJ Hearings on the Apartheid Wall
RAMALLAH, Palestine, February 14, 2004 (IPC + Agencies)-- In the aftermath of the Israeli government’s decision to boycott the hearings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Israeli controversial Apartheid Wall on February 23, the Palestinian National Authority viewed such a decision as an ‘indication of illegality of the construction of such a wall around and through the West Bank.
Top advisor of President Yasser Arafat, Nabil Abu Rudeina, was quoted Friday as saying that the Israeli decision to skip the oral hearings at the world court is a “recognition that the Israelis cannot face the international community and international law and justice.”
“This wall is built on our land, and the Israelis should stop building it and tear down what has already been built, “ Abu Rudeina told the Associated Press.
In New York, the Palestine Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Naser Alqedwa, was quoted yesterday as saying that the Israeli decision to boycott the ICJ hearings is considered to be “guilt confession from the part of Israel”.
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http://www.ipc.gov.ps/ipc_e/ipc_e-1/e_News/news2004/2004_02/039.html