The UN General Assembly passed a resolution last night calling on Israel to stop building the counter-terrorism fence between Israel and areas controlled by the PLO. The U.S. and two other countries took Israel's position that the fence is a necessary measure against terrorism; 12 nations abstained, and 144 voted in favor. The resolution terms the fence a "violation of international law," and calls on the Palestinian Authority to fight terror in the areas it controls.
Jerusalem government officials dismissed the resolution. "The General Council would also pass an [Arab-sponsored] resolution to topple the moon with an automatic 140-vote majority," one said. "We don't expect the world to embrace us, which is why we have to protect ourselves." Gideon Meir of the Foreign Ministry says that the decision is nothing more than propaganda that does not serve the interests of peace: "The Palestinians are once again turning to international forums instead of concentrating on implementing the Road Map."