New Zealand envoy to take post after spat resolved
Jonathan Curr had been prevented from presenting credentials after Jerusalem learned he was also accredited to the PA
In this undated photo provided by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jonathan Curr poses for a photograph at a unknown location in New Zealand (photo credit: AP/New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Israel and New Zealand have resolved a diplomatic dispute that had prevented New Zealand’s new ambassador from taking up his post for more than half a year.
Israel last September prevented Ambassador Jonathan Curr from presenting his credentials after learning that he would also serve as New Zealand’s envoy to the Palestinians.
At the time, Israel said it had a “well-known policy” of not accrediting diplomats who are also accredited to the Palestinian Authority.
New Zealand’s foreign ministry announced in February that it had appointed a separate envoy to the Palestinians, effectively ending the spat.
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s office says Curr is scheduled to present his credentials on Thursday.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
