Last update - 08:28 13/05/2007
EU ambassadors said set to skip Jerusalem Day ceremonies
By Haaretz Service

The ambassadors to Israel of European Union states will absent themselves from the celebrations Wednesday to mark 40 years since the reunification of Jerusalem, Army Radio reported Sunday.

According to the report, the envoy from Germany declined the invitation in the name of all EU states due to a dispute over the status of East Jerusalem as part of the Israeli capital.

All of the foreign missions in Israel are based in Tel Aviv, and not Jerusalem, due to the disputed status of the capital.


The entire city fell under Israeli control during the 1967 Six-Day War, an event marked annually by Jerusalem Day. This year's celebrations will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the event.

The Palestinians, however, want East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future state. On Friday, the Peace Now movement held an alternative event to "protest against the continuation of the occupation and to create hope for a Jerusalem of peace."

Also the American ambassador in Israel, Richard Jones, said that he won't arrive.

Out of 100 ambassadors who have been invited only 20 accpeted the invitation. Letters are being send now to the rest of those who refused, in order to change their minds.

did australia embassador go or weren't we invited?

I actually don't think its a big deal. Ambassadors have had this policy for a long time.... I would think. And I am surprised that 20 ambassadors would show up, because that seems like a lot.

I actually don't think its a big deal. Ambassadors have had this policy for a long time.... I would think. And I am surprised that 20 ambassadors would show up, because that seems like a lot.
That's true.