The European Union’s (EU) ambassador to Israel Emanuele Giaufret said that the EU will not move its embassy to Jerusalem.
Speaking to Israeli paper Arutz Sheva Giaufret said that even if U.S. President Trump recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel the European Union does not intend to follow suit.
“Having said that our embassy is in Tel Aviv like all the other countries’ embassies and it will probably remain there. We do not think that a significant step on the issue of Jerusalem right now will help the diplomatic process” said Giaufret.
“There is a UN resolution on the issue – and the question of Jerusalem should come up in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.”
It would not be good for us to take a new position before the negotiations. Jerusalem is a sensitive issue that is important to all religions – and it is important that we make an effort so that each side understands the sensitivities of the other side” he continued.
“The EU believes in the two-state solution. This is the only solution and in our opinion most Israelis agree to this solution. There is constant communication with the U.S. on this issue. If the U.S. makes a good offer for peace we will support it. We do not need or want to be the leaders” he said.
The ambassador’s comments came amid reports that U.S. President Donald Trump might declare that the U.S. recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
