Paraguay moves Israel embassy back out of Jerusalem

[Judi Lynn]

Paraguay moves Israel embassy back out of Jerusalem
Pedro Servin, Associated Press
Updated 11:08 pm CDT, Wednesday, September 5, 2018

ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Paraguay announced Wednesday it would immediately move its embassy in Israel out of Jerusalem and back to Tel Aviv, less than four months after opening the new mission.

The move presents an embarrassing diplomatic setback for Israel, which had hoped to build on the momentum started by the U.S., Guatemala and Paraguay, which all moved their embassies to Jerusalem in May. In response to Paraguay's decision, Israel said it was shuttering its embassy there, warning that ties between the countries would be "strained" by the decision.

. . .

New Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benitez had opposed the switch even before taking office on Aug. 15.

"One of the most complex components of the conflict (between Israel and the Palestinians) is the status of Jerusalem," Castiglioni said, and Paraguay believes it should be negotiated between the parties involved — a position still held by most nations.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/Paraguay-moves-Israel-embassy-back-out-of-13206664.php

LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142151673

[Judi Lynn]

1. U.S. VP Pence pressures Paraguay over Jerusalem embassy move

SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 / 6:27 PM / UPDATED 7 HOURS AGO
U.S. VP Pence pressures Paraguay over Jerusalem embassy move
3 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence urged Paraguay’s new president to stick to his predecessor’s decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, Pence’s office said on Thursday after Asuncion announced plans to shift the diplomatic mission back to Tel Aviv.

Paraguay on Wednesday dealt a blow to Israeli’s quest for recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, which appeared to have gained some traction this year when the United States, followed by Guatemala and Paraguay, relocated embassies there.

Most countries do not recognise Israeli sovereignty over the entire city.

Pence, who played a main role in President Donald Trump’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, spoke on Wednesday to Paraguayan President Mario Abdo, who was elected on Aug. 15.

More:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-paraguay-embassy/u-s-vp-pence-pressures-paraguay-over-jerusalem-embassy-move-idUKKCN1LM3E1?rpc=401&