US embassy move Palestinians recall envoys to 4 EU nations

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories: The Palestinian Authority has recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy´s move to Jerusalem, it said Wednesday. The statement from the PA´s foreign ministry said the EU nations´ ambassadors had attended the reception on Sunday, a day before the US opened its Israel embassy in Jerusalem. The embassy move and Washington´s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians, who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state.The recalls are to consult with our ambassadors to these states about their positions and their commitment to the EU´s positions.” Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday withdrew his top envoy to Washington. The European Union opposed the US move of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move was accompanied by mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border that saw Israeli forces kill Palestinians.Israeli ambassador exits Turkey over Gaza row: Israel’s ambassador to Turkey on Wednesday left the country after being ordered out by Ankara in a growing crisis over the killing by Israeli fire of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border that threatens a reconciliation deal. Israeli ambassador Eitan Naeh departed for Tel Aviv via Istanbul airport under the full glare of the Turkish media, who appeared to have been specially invited to film his exit.Naeh has been told by Turkey to stay away for an unspecified period of time. Turkey had already withdrawn its ambassador in Tel Aviv for consultations while Israel ordered the Turkish consul in Jerusalem to leave, also for an unspecified period of time. The Turkish foreign ministry on Wednesday also told the Israeli consul general in Istanbul to leave Turkey “for a period of time”, the foreign ministry said.The manner of Naeh’s departure angered the Israeli government, with the ambassador filmed going through an extra security check and then sitting alone at the gate.

from The News International - World https://ift.tt/2rLntty