Shalom expresses hope that ICJ won't hold fence hearing

[Gimel]

Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Saturday that he hoped that the objections filed by more than 30 countries against the authority of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule of the legality of the West Bank security fence would convince the court to cancel the hearing on the barrier "because it is a political, not judicial issue."

Officials at the United Nations indicated Friday that they cannot ignore the many objections filed, and said that the hearing itself was in doubt.

Fifteen members of the European Union and ten members-in-waiting, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, South Africa and Senegal joined Israel in submitting affidavits to the ICJ. Several EU countries, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom, submitted their own separate affidavits to the court.

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http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/389190.html

[The Magistrate]

1. It Is Interesting, Ma'am

So many countries that abstained in the General assembly vote have now petitioned the Court not to hear the case. It illustrates the essential "throw away" nature of most votes in the General Assembly taking shop.

[Gimel]

2. Yes, perhaps

the GA is simply political in nature. Voting is done on the basis of political pressure. After thoughts lead to actions that contradict the vote.