WikiLeaks cable: NZ response on ICJ advisory opinion on Israeli security barrier
This is one of the diplomatic cables about New Zealand held by Wikileaks.
July 15, 2004 NZ response on ICJ advisory opinion on Israeli security barrier
This record is a partial extract of the original cable.
The full text of the original cable is not available.
Classified By: POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC COUNSELLOR TIMOTHY ZUNIGA-BROWN, FOR REASONS 1.5(B,D)
1. (SBU/NF) Post delivered reftel demarche to Moira Turley, Middle East and Africa Division, New Zealand Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT.) Despite strong support for the U.S. position, Turley stated that the GoNZ is deferring
a final decision on its vote until it has seen the final text of the UNGA resolution. Turley noted that the GoNZ agreed
that the issue should not have been referred to the ICJ, and had publicly called for Israel to cease construction of the
wall and return to the negotiating table. Turley referred to a statement by New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Phil
Goff, which noted that the wall is a barrier to the concept of a two-state solution, and impeded the right of the
Palestinians to self-determination. In his statement, Goff took the opportunity to call for the implementation of the
Roadmap promoted by the U.S., UN, EU and Russia - which New Zealand fully supports.
2. (U) Begin Text of NZ FM Goff statement:
Hon. Phil Goff Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Media Statement 10 July 2004
New Zealand has welcomed a strong ruling by the International Court of Justice that Israel's West bank barrier is
illegal and that construction of it should be stopped immediately.
Foreign Minister Phil Goff said the International Court, by an overwhelming 14-1 majority, had found that the barrier's
construction was to annexation8 and impeded the Palestinians, right to self-determination.
decision comes on top of a recent Israeli High Court decision requiring the Israeli Defence Force to look again at the
route of part of the wall,8 Mr. Goff said.
needs to take serious note of the court's ruling, and of international opinion. While it has a valid right to protect
its people from suicide bombings, the construction of any wall should be on its legal 1967 border.
combination of the wall built deep into occupied territory and the continued building of Israeli settlements on land it
does not have rights to under international law, makes Israel's action look like de facto annexation.
have personally seen the impact that the wall has had on Palestinian people; isolating towns, separating farmers from
their land, and dividing families.
the Israeli High Court has ruled that the hardships experienced by Palestinians because of the wall were
disproportionate to any benefit Israeli received through protection of its citizens.
wall is a barrier to the concept of a two-state solution and to implementing the Roadmap promoted by the United States,
United Nations, European Union and Russia, which New Zealand supports
Zealand reiterates its own call for Israel to cease construction of the wall, in line with the International Court's
ruling. Both sides must come back to the negotiating table, which is the only path for achieving a sustainable peace,8
Mr. Goff said.
End text.
3. (C/NF) Comment: Although the GoNZ agrees that the focus should remain on the Roadmap as a means to a peaceful
settlement, it is unlikely to convert from an abstention to a no vote. The GoNZ prides itself on its multi-lateral
credentials and increasingly looks to the NAM for cover. On this as on other issues, the GoNZ will likely see converting
to a no vote as undermining NZ's ability to work with a "broad range" of parties (read NAM) in the UN.
Swindells
ENDS