Sharon denounces barrier ruling

The court said Israel should dismantle the barrier

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has denounced a ruling by the World Court that declared Israel's barrier in the West Bank to be illegal.

In his first public response to Friday's ruling, Mr Sharon said he rejected the decision, calling it "politically motivated".

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan meanwhile called on Israel to comply with international law.

Israel says the barrier is for security but Palestinians say it is a land grab.

'One-sided'

Mr Sharon angrily criticised the ruling and linked it to a bomb blast in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning which killed an Israeli woman.

The State of Israel totally rejects the opinion of the World Court Ariel Sharon, Israeli prime minister ICJ ruling: Key points ICJ ruling: Full text (ICJ website) Ruling dismays Israel press

"The murderous act that was carried out this morning was the first to occur under the patronage of the World Court's decision," he told a Cabinet meeting.

"The State of Israel totally rejects the opinion of the World Court. It is a one-sided and politically motivated ruling.

"The ruling totally ignores the reason behind the construction of the security barrier which is Palestinian terrorism."

The World Court said the planned 640 km (400 miles) barrier, which juts into the West Bank in places, was illegal and sections already built should be dismantled.

The construction could not be justified for military needs, and was "tantamount to annexation", impeding the Palestinian right to self-determination.

'Responsibility'

Speaking on the sidelines of a global Aids meeting, the UN Secretary General said Israel had to adhere to international law.

"Whilst 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 interests of the Palestinians.

"And Israel, as an occupying power, is responsible for the welfare of the Palestinian people," he said.

The UN General Assembly is expected to meet this week to discuss the ruling.