Cowen condemns Israel security barrier

Foreign Minister Brian Cowen has criticised the security barrier that Israel is building in the West Bank.

His remarks during a visit to the country yesterday were seen as serving notice that the new leadership of the European Union was likely to put more pressure on the Israeli government than its predecessor.

In a speech at Tel Aviv University, Mr Cowen said that European criticisms of Israeli policy do not stem from hostility against Israel.

He called on the Palestinian Authority to create a “law abiding society” and to take measures to eliminate corruption.

Mr Cowen also urged the two sides to resume negotiations on the internationally backed ”road map” peace plan.

His criticism of the Israeli barrier was in sharp contrast to the generally pro-Israeli tone set by the Italian government, which held the EU’s rotating presidency until Ireland took it over on January 1.

Mr Cowen’s remarks came only weeks before the International Court of Justice in the Hague is to examine the barrier’s legality at the request of the Palestinians.

He said the EU had not taken a position on the barrier case but emphasised it was unhappy that sections of the partially completed complex of fences, ditches and razor wire slice deep into the West Bank.

“From the Palestinian perspective, [the barrier] understandably appears to be an attempt to redraw the 1967 frontiers,” he said.

Israel took control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six Day War.

Israel says the separation barrier is needed to keep Palestinian suicide bombers from entering the country.

Palestinians say it will gobble up large portions of territory where they say they want to establish an independent state.

The Palestinians have asked the international court to issue an advisory opinion on the barrier.

Arguments are scheduled to begin next month.