Jerusalem mayor, US envoy hunt for future embassy location
The meeting was held a week after US President Donald Trump announced the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
By UDI SHAHAMUpdated: DECEMBER 25, 2017 23:22Nir Barkat, the mayor of Jerusalem, speaks during his interview with Reuters in his office at the Jerusalem Municipality April 24, 2017(photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman discussed potential locations in the capital for the US Embassy, during a meeting two weeks ago, Barkat said on Monday.US President Donald Trump recognizes Jerusalem as Israel"s capital and announces embassy to relocateThe meeting was held a week after US President Donald Trump announced the United States recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.Barkat did not specify which places were mentioned, but stressed the initiative was discussed at the request of the Americans.“We met two weeks ago. We created a framework in which we are assisting them to think together about their different alternatives [for locations],” he said in an interview with Army Radio. “We are currently checking different alternatives. We are doing it upon their request, and alongside with them – and with confidentiality.”Barkat commended President Jimmy Morales regarding the move of the Guatemalan Embassy to Jerusalem, and said a meeting would be scheduled with the country’s local ambassador in order to coordinate the move.“We should check with them on how they want to conduct the move,” he said. “Luckily, the relationship between Israel and Guatemala was always great. There’s even a street and school named after Guatemala. We will elaborate this great relationship and see how we can assist them.”
