ISRAEL: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg visits Israeli town often targetted by Palestinian militants

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg travelled to the town of Sderot in southern Israel Friday (February 2). The town is just a few kilometres away from Gaza and is often targeted by rockets fired from Gaza by Palestinian militants. Bloomberg arrived via helicopter and toured the community, escorted by a phalanx of security guards. He was shown shrapnel from the rockets, buildings which were hit by rockets, and a memorial for a girl who was killed in a rocket attack. "I think this town, as much as any place you'll ever visit tells you why we can never negotiate with terrorists," Bloomberg said. "Israel has a right to exist, and nobody should force on Israel anything. Israel has got to make the final decision. It's got to work with its Arab neighbours. It's got to work with organisations that recognise it, and recognise its right to exist and organisations that renounce terrorism. And if they don't renounce terrorism, and they don't abide by previous accords, and if they don't recognise Israel's right to exist, I personally feel that Israel shouldn't talk with them." On Thursday (February 1), Bloomberg met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. He also attended a dedication ceremony for a medical facility named in honour of the Mayor's father.

ITN Source | February 3, 2007

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