Jerusalem, Oct 22: Israel will push on with the building of a controversial West Bank separation barrier despite a UN resolution demanding it halt construction, industry minister Ehud Olmert said today. "The security fence will continue to be built," Olmert, who is number two in Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's government, told public radio.

The UN General Assembly voted late yesterday by an overwhelming majority a demand for Israel to "stop and reverse" construction of the barrier which Ariel Sharon's government claims is designed to prevent infiltration of Palestinian suicide bombers into Israel.

The resolution stating that the project contradicts international law, which is not binding, passed by a vote of 144-4, with 12 countries abstaining.
Bureau Report