BUCHAREST – The Romanian government will follow the United States andtransfer its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, the ruling Social DemocratParty (PSD) leader said Thursday .
“The decision has been taken (…), the procedures are beginning,” LiviuDragnea told Antena 3 television ahead of any official governmentannouncement.
According to Dragnea, PSD Prime Minister Viorica Dancila s governmentagreed Wednesday on “the start of procedures with a view to the transfer ofthe embassy to Jerusalem.”
The government spokesman refused to comment when questioned by AFP,although rumours of an intended move from Tel Aviv leaked out last December.
President Donald Trump s call to shift the US embassy to the disputed citysparked deadly protests and 128 states condemned it in a United NationsGeneral Assembly vote in December.
Only seven smaller countries aligned themselves with the United States andIsrael.
Trump has mooted a trip to Jerusalem to open the embassy in May.
Romania would be the first European Union member to follow in US footsteps.
Dragnea noted the “enormous symbolic value” of a move saying Israel “has astrong international influence” and it would be “very valuable for theAmerican administration.”
“I think the decision will produce major benefits for Romania,” he added.
“This is also a pragmatic approach. Like all of us, Israel has the right toestablish its capital where it wants,” Dragnea said.
He had first mooted the transfer late last year but Romania s centre rightPresident Klaus Iohannis opposed it saying the status of Jerusalem shouldbe settled between Israel and the Palestinians who both claim the holy cityas their capital. – APP /AFP