Guatemala announces May Jerusalem embassy shift

World
Europe

Guatemala's president has said the Central American nation will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem two days after the United States does so in May.

Jimmy Morales told a cheering crowd at the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on Sunday that "as a sovereign decision, we recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel."

"Under my instructions, two days after the United States moves its embassy, Guatemala will return and permanently move its embassy to Jerusalem," he said in Washington.

"I would like to thank President Trump for leading the way." Trump's decision in December to transfer the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics saying it damages hopes for a negotiated Middle East peace."

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands as they deliver statements to the media during their meeting in Jerusalem November 29, 2016. /VCG Photo‍

Guatemala was the first nation after the US to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

"This decision strongly evidences Guatemala's continued support and solidarity with the people of Israel," Morales told AIPAC, an influential pro-Israeli lobbying group.

"We are sure that many other countries will follow in our steps."

Only seven small countries – including Guatemala and Honduras – sided with the United States and Israel on a non-binding December 21 UN General Assembly resolution rejecting Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The White House plans to open its new facility in Jerusalem on May 14, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Israel's creation.

Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state. There had long been international consensus that the city's status should be settled as part of a two-state peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians.

Source(s): AFP