[Um, the Berlin Wall was built by the East Germans to keep theirpopulation IN. This wal is being built by the Israelis to keep the Palestinians OUT. Somewhat of a difference.]

bbc - Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat has accused Israel of constructing a "Berlin Wall" around Jerusalem.

French newspaper Le Parisien reported the comments in an interview with Mr Arafat which was also published on its web site.

In the following excerpts, Mr Arafat told the newspaper that international bodies must intervene if there is to be peace in the Middle East.

They are destroying us so that they are better able to start building a wall

"Like all sensible people, I want peace. Not only in this bit of the world, which has played such a crucial role in the history of humanity - the Holy Land - but also for all people on Earth. Because throughout the world, everyone is now affected by everything that happens, wherever it happens, but especially here, in Palestine.

"Nobody should be content with being a distant, passive witness. It is vital that each person should share the problems which affect everyone.

"Right now, the Israelis do whatever they want, and their sole aim is to strangle us. They are destroying us so that they are better able to start building a wall.

"The wall will be longer than 350 km. The line followed by the wall cheats considerably with regard to the 'green line' which was established as a border in 1967. More

-- Anonymous, January 05, 2003