Israel Matzav

New anti-Israel activity at the UN

French foreign minister Philippe Douste-Blazy may be convinced that Israel's 'security fence' is a necessity, but that isn't going to stop almost-gone UN Secretary General Kofi Goofy Annan. Haaretz is reporting this morning that Goofy has initiated the establishment of an office that would be responsible for collecting data and testimonies on damages caused by the separation fence to Palestinians in Judea and Samaria. It goes without saying that the office will be financed from the United Nations budget US taxpayers' money. The "Register of Damage" is based upon the 2004 recommendations of the International Court of Justice, which were presented to the General Assembly.

The 'register' would be set up in Vienna, and would be responsible to register damages to Palestinian homes, businesses and agricultural holdings caused by the "wall." The documentation will serve for possible future international adjudication. The 'register' will be brought to a vote in the General Assembly - not the Security Council - where the US has no veto and it will be assured of passage.

Annan quotes from the International Court's recommendations in his report, noting that "Israel also has an obligation to compensate, in accordance with the applicable rules of international law, all natural or legal persons having suffered any form of material damage as a result of the wall's construction."

The Register of Damage is to be overseen by a three-member independent board, appointed by the secretary-general, and run by a small secretariat in Vienna, headed by an executive director, also appointed by the UN, the report noted. [Maybe Goofy is just looking for a couple more patronage appointments before he leaves office? CiJ]

...

Professor Yoram Dinstein, an expert on international law, says that even though the International court has concluded that Israel must compensate for any damages caused by the separations fence, "the way to receiving compensation is far removed."

Dinstein points out that "this is the creation of the basis to claim compensation in the future. But in order to pay this compensation, it will be necessary for an international forum to force Israel to do so. The International Court at The Hague can do so only if Israel accepts the authority of its jurisdiction or [if] the Security Council [does]. Israel will hope for a U.S. veto there [in the Security Council] to block demands for compensation payments."

Maybe Fwance would veto it too? Nah, that's asking too much.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:35 AM