Sharon backs route of Jerusalem barrier

ISRAELI Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has approved the final route of a barrier around Jerusalem that will include the largest Jewish West Bank settlement, officials said yesterday.

Palestinian leaders immediately complained Israel is endangering peace efforts.

The decision means the barrier will encompass lands claimed by the Palestinians for a future state, including Arab east Jerusalem, the intended Palestinian capital.

The barrier also will include part of the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, to encompass a Jewish shrine.

Israel began building the barrier two years ago.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat warned that approval of the Jerusalem segment could endanger peace talk efforts.

“This prejudges and prejudices the outcome of permanent status negotiations,” he said.

In Ramallah, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said after a meeting with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas that the UN is establishing a register of damages to Palestinian property and claims against Israel from the barrier construction.

He said: “We’re establishing the register to be able in time to help with those claims.”

The General Assembly had passed a resolution against the barrier and the UN world court ruled last year it was illegal.