UNSC resolution bans embassies in Jerusalem - Russian ambassador to Israel on possible relocation of U.S. Embassy
MOSCOW. Feb 8 (Interfax) - Moscow is adherent to the UN Security Council resolution, which bans the opening of foreign embassies in Jerusalem, Russian Ambassador to Israel Alexander Shein said.
"Concerning the embassy's relocation, there is UN Security Council resolution 478, which under the current circumstances bans the opening of foreign embassies in Jerusalem, which is not recognized as the capital of Israel. We adhere to this international legal act, and we have said so to the Israelis," Shein told Interfax in an interview, commenting on the possible relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem.
"They maintain that, following in the U.S. footsteps, all states will be urged to move their embassies from Tel Aviv to West Jerusalem, which remains under the Israeli sovereignty anyway. Israel will pledge to guarantee the preservation of the religious and historical image of the old city and the status quo of holy places for the Muslims and the Christians," the ambassador said.
"Of course, this will not be a solution to the problem," he said.
"The future of Jerusalem and the settlements pertains to the question of the final status of Palestinian territories, which should be resolved between the Israelis and the Palestinians at negotiations. Unhampered access to the holy places should be guaranteed for followers of three monotheistic religions - Christianity, Islam and Judaism," he said.