Czech foreign ministry says Prague still abides by EU policy on Jerusalem

The Czech Foreign Ministry issues a “clarification” after the country’s president promises to move his country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“The Czech Republic fully respects [the] common policy of the European Union, which considers Jerusalem as the future capital of both the State of Israel and the future State of Palestine,” the statement says.

The statement explains that the Czech position “only acknowledged what is standard practice by other States when making their official visits to Israel. According to usual diplomatic practice, States have their embassies in the capitals of the receiving States. This is why the Czech Republic has decided, as a first step, to open an honorary consulate (led by Honorary Consul Mr. Dan Propper) in May and a new Czech Centre by the end of this year, both in West Jerusalem. Our presence in Jerusalem should enhance our mutual cooperation in many fields.”

“This step in no way prejudges the final agreement concerning Jerusalem, the same way as it is not being prejudged by diplomatic representations of several European countries that are seated in East Jerusalem.”